Abstract
This study aimed at clarifying the relation between anterior-posterior foot pressure ratio and kindergartens’ barefoot policy. Participants included 257 preschool children (125 boys and 132 girls) attending kindergartens with a barefoot policy and 316 preschool children (157 boys and 159 girls) attending kindergartens without this policy. An instrument called Foot view Clinic was used to measure the anterior- posterior foot pressure ratio. Participants maintained an upright posture on the instrument for 10 seconds. The posterior foot pressure proportion for each participant’s feet was used to evaluate heel load, and the mean of a 10-second measurement was used for analysis. Among boys, posterior foot pressure was significantly lower for those attending kindergartens following a barefoot policy than for those attending kindergartens not following a barefoot policy. On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in the posterior foot pressure ratio between girls who played barefoot and those who did not. Therefore, in conclusion, kindergartens’ barefoot policy affects children’s anterior-posterior foot pressure ratio and reduces the posterior foot pressure ratio in boys.
Highlights
Some kindergartens in Japan follow a policy according to which children play barefoot when playing indoors after arriving at their kindergartens
This study aimed at clarifying the relation between anterior-posterior foot pressure ratio and kindergartens’ barefoot policy
Posterior foot pressure was significantly lower for those attending kindergartens following a barefoot policy than for those attending kindergartens not following a barefoot policy
Summary
Some kindergartens in Japan follow a policy according to which children play barefoot when playing indoors after arriving at their kindergartens. This barefoot policy has been adopted because of the belief that it positively affects children’s health and growth by influencing the foot shape (medial longitudinal arch and foot width) and the contact. Their anterior foot pressure ratio increases while standing and the tendency of the heel load changes with that of the forefoot load (Matsuda & Demura, 2013; Usui, Maekawa, & Hirasawa, 1995). Heel load could be a contributing factor to these problems because it induces deterioration of posture and unnecessary muscle activation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
