Abstract
BackgroundIn recent years, minimalist footwear has been increasingly promoted for its use in sportive and recreational activities. These shoes are considered to function naturally like barefoot walking while providing a protective surface. Despite a growing popularity of these shoes in the older population, little is known about the influence of minimalist footwear on gait patterns. This study investigated whether overground walking with minimalist shoes is comparable to barefoot walking regarding gait stability and variability parameters.MethodsIn a randomized within-subject study design, 31 healthy younger (29 ± 4 years) and 33 healthy community-dwelling older adults (71 ± 4 years) volunteered. Participants walked on flat ground, once barefoot and once with minimalist shoes. Gait variability of minimum toe clearance (MTC), stride length, stride time, and local dynamic gait stability were analysed.ResultsThe results for both age groups showed significant condition effects (minimalist shoes vs. barefoot walking) for the outcomes of local dynamic stability (p = .013), MTC variability (p = .018), and stride length variability (p < .001) indicating increased local dynamic stability and decreased gait variability during the minimalist shoe condition. Group effects (young vs. older adults) were detected in all gait outcomes.ConclusionWalking with minimalist shoes appeared to be associated with better gait performance than walking barefoot in both age groups. Thus, walking with minimalist shoes is not similar to barefoot walking. With respect to reducing the risk of falling, we suggest that minimalist shoes could be an alternative to barefoot walking or a transition option between shoes to barefoot for older adults.
Highlights
In recent years, minimalist footwear has been increasingly promoted for its use in sportive and recreational activities
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated whether overground walking with minimalist shoes is comparable to barefoot walking regarding gait stability and variability parameters in both younger and older adults
In order to reduce the risk of falling, we suggest that walking training with minimalist shoes could be an alternative to barefoot walking or a transition option between shoes to barefoot for older adults
Summary
Minimalist footwear has been increasingly promoted for its use in sportive and recreational activities These shoes are considered to function naturally like barefoot walking while providing a protective surface. [11] suggest that walking barefoot is less restricting for motion control, which increases the sensitivity of the sensory mechanisms and activates the foot and lower leg muscles. Both sensory feedback sensitivity [12] and increased foot strength [13] showed to improve balance in older adults, and are significant predictors in the prevention of falls. Barefoot walking might result in beneficial effects on sensorimotor control
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