Kinematic and kinetic differences between barefoot and shod walking in children

Abstract

This study investigated differences in lower extremity joint kinematics and kinetics between barefoot and shod walking in children (n = 13, 10.2 ± 1.4 years). Three-dimensional kinematic data and ground reaction forces were collected simultaneously during five minutes of barefoot and shod walking on an instrumented treadmill (0.96 ± 0.14 m s−1). Maximal joint displacements, maximal joint moments, angular impulse and mechanical energy at the hip, knee and ankle were analysed. Joint kinematic and kinetic differences primarily occurred during weight acceptance and propulsion. Shod walking elicited greater maximal hip flexion, knee flexion, ankle dorsiflexion and subtalar inversion than barefoot walking. Greater maximal dorsiflexor moment, hip extensor and ankle dorsiflexor impulses, energy generation and absorption by the hip extensors and knee extensors, respectively, were also experienced during shod walking. Conversely, greater maximal hip extension and internal rotation, ankle plantar flexion, subtalar eversion and foot adduction were experienced during barefoot walking. Barefoot walking induced increases in the hip flexor impulse, subtalar invertor moment and energy generation by the ankle plantar flexors and invertors. Reducing stride length and presenting a greater surface area of the foot at initial contact may help reduce braking forces and improve shock absorption during barefoot walking. During shod walking, body weight is applied through the foot more medially to utilise the shoe's arch support, potentially resulting in a greater reliance on the structural support provided by shoes during gait. The findings suggest that changes in joint kinematics alter how forces are experienced during barefoot and shod walking. This may be achieved by either changing spatio-temporal parameters, or shifting where the forces act upon the foot at initial contact or a combination of both of these strategies.