Abstract
Background/PurposeThe effects of footwear on the walking kinematics, kinetics and electromyography (EMG) of individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) at different speeds are still unknown. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the kinematic, kinetic and electromyography differences between shod and barefoot walking at comfortable (CW) and fast (FW) speeds in individuals with CAI.MethodsTwenty-one individuals with CAI walked on a 5-meter walkway shod and barefoot at CW and FW speeds. A force plate was used to record the ground reaction forces, a 3-D motion analysis system to record the lower limb kinematics and a surface EMG system to collect the gluteus medius, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis, peroneus longus and tibialis anterior muscles activity. The dependent variables were ankle and knee angles and moments and normalized muscle activity. The shod and barefoot data during CW and FW were compared using a one-dimensional non-parametric mapping analysis.ResultsThe main results of this study were that individuals with CAI exhibited more ankle dorsiflexion angle, knee extension and tibialis anterior muscle activation during the beginning of the stance phase during shod compared to barefoot walking. Also, the biomechanical effects of shoes are similar during walking at FW and CW.ConclusionThe biomechanical deficits associated with CAI were partly attenuated during the shod compared to the barefoot condition and these effects were similar at CW and FW. These findings are compatible with the concept that locomotor interventions using suitable shoes may enhance gait abilities in individuals with CAI.
Highlights
Shoes are important in human locomotion, as they are the first interface between the body and the ground
The main results of this study were that individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) exhibited more ankle dorsiflexion angle, knee extension and tibialis anterior muscle activation during the beginning of the stance phase during shod compared to barefoot walking
The biomechanical deficits associated with CAI were partly attenuated during the shod compared to the barefoot condition and these effects were similar at CW and FW
Summary
Shoes are important in human locomotion, as they are the first interface between the body and the ground. Changes in lower limb biomechanics when wearing shoes have been associated with improvement in pain and function in individuals with musculoskeletal disorders [6, 7]. Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) could perhaps benefit from the biomechanical effects of wearing certain types of shoes, such as the decrease in ankle plantarflexion. Individuals with CAI exhibit increased ankle and rearfoot inversion, ankle plantarflexion, lateral foot vertical forces and peroneus longus muscle activity compared to healthy controls [9]. No study has quantified lower limb biomechanical effects of wearing shoes during walking in individuals with CAI. Quantifying the biomechanical effects of shoes on individuals with CAI will help clinicians and researchers to better understand their potential benefits in the rehabilitation of this population
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