Impact Of Footwear Research Articles

Effect of Foot Orthoses and Footwear in People with Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Updated Systematic Review.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease of an autoimmune nature that causes pain and disability in affected patients. Foot pain has become a challenge due to its negative impact on physical function. The objective of this updated systematic review is to describe the effect of foot orthoses and/or footwear in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and foot problems. Scopus, PubMed, CINALH, WOS, and Dialnet were searched for all articles published from January 2013 to September 2024. Inclusion criteria included randomised clinical trials and crossover trials (level of evidence I), published within the last 10 years, involving adults with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, with no restrictions on gender, race, or ethnicity. All studies that addressed the use of foot orthoses and/or shoe therapy in any type of comparison between these interventions were considered relevant. Review Manager was used to carry out the bias analysis of the selected studies. The reporting was based on the new PRISMA guidelines. A total of 9 relevant articles were selected from an initial sample of 438. These articles analyse and compare the effectiveness of various types of foot orthoses in reducing pain, functional limitation, and disability, as well as improving balance and kinetic and kinematic parameters affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Foot orthoses reduce pain and disability in rheumatoid arthritis, improving balance and kinematic parameters. However, no significant improvements in the patients' functionality and walking ability have been demonstrated. Customised ones with good arch control, heel reinforcement, and metatarsal pad are more effective. No results on the impact of footwear on patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been found in the last 10 years. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023405645).

Quantifying coordinative patterns in steady‐state running: The impact of footwear and foot strike on joint coupling variability

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to compare and contrast the intralimb coordinative patterns of habitual forefoot strikers (FFS) and rearfoot strikers (RFS) during steady‐state running across three different shoe types: minimalist, neutral and cushioned shoes. To describe these coordinative patterns, we implemented the concept of the ‘preferred movement path’ which represents the movement path that runners naturally select in response to their physical capacity and external environment. We quantified cycle‐to‐cycle consistency (ACC) and within‐trial variance in coordination patterns (SoV) using joint angle data from the ankle and knee for ankle‐knee coupling and from the knee and hip for knee‐hip coupling. Additionally, we calculated the measure of shape difference in joint coupling as the sum of squared distances (SSD) between/within conditions and groups. The percentage of runners who displayed shape differences below certain SSD thresholds was also evaluated. Our findings revealed no significant group or shoe type effect on any of the variability measures (ACC: p = 0.460 for ankle‐knee and p = 0.832 for knee‐hip; SoV: p = 0.345 for ankle‐knee and p = 0.755 for knee‐hip). However, there was a significant (p < 0.001) shape difference observed between the most extreme shoe conditions. Despite this, when runners switched shoes, 70%–90% of them maintained their original coordinative pattern across both joint couplings, indicating a strong adherence to their preferred movement path. This suggests that while shoe type can influence the shape of the coordinative pattern, the inherent movement tendencies of the runners remain largely consistent.

Validation of an accelerometer-based gait assessment: Establishing test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and predictive validity for concussion symptom endorsement

Background Gait accelerometer (sensor) technology has proven effective in predicting several medical outcomes, but less is known regarding its prediction of concussion symptoms relative to conventional measures of gait and balance. Objective To establish the reliability and validity of gait accelerometer data. We first examine test-retest reliability and the impact of footwear and walking surfaces on gait. We then examine the convergent validity between gait accelerometer data and the NIH 4-meter gait test. Finally, we compare gait accelerometer data to gait speed and balance measures for predicting concussion symptoms. Methods Study 1 used a crossover study design with 60 participants to evaluate retest reliability and examine the effects of footwear (shoes/no-shoes) and walking surface (tile floor/grass) on gait accelerometer data. Study 2 employed a cross-sectional design with 1008 participants to assess gait accelerometer correlations with NIH 4-meter gait and the prediction of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concussion symptoms relative to previously validated gait and balance measures. Results Retest reliability (4-day average retest interval) for the no shoes/tile surface condition ranged from .72-.91 (mean = .80). Significant effects of footwear and especially walking surface revealed by Analysis of Variances (ANOVAs) on gait accelerometer data for the power, stride, balance, and symmetry domains indicate the need to standardize these variables. Gait accelerometer data correlates significantly with NIH 4-meter gait scores. Regression analyses found that gait accelerometer data predicts CDC concussion symptom endorsement, outperforming the BESS and NIH 4-meter gait at least three-fold. Conclusions When standardized on footwear and walking surface, gait accelerometers achieve strong test-retest reliability, converge with established measures of gait speed, and are superior to established measures of gait speed and balance when predicting concussion symptoms. Gait accelerometers represent a rapid tool for collecting additional gait information to quantify the behavioral sequelae of concussion and potentially inform return-to-play decision-making.

Underfoot Pressure-Based Left and Right Foot Classification Algorithms: The Impact of Footwear

Underfoot Pressure-Based Left and Right Foot Classification Algorithms: The Impact of Footwear

The Impact of Footwear on Posture, Gait and Balance

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of footwear on posture and balance while walking. The types of footwear investigated in this study were open back shoes, commonly worn by hospitalized patients, and closed back shoes. Previous studies have shown that open back shoes, or slippers, increase the risk of falling (among elderly). We hypothesized that our findings would suggest that open back shoes negatively affect gait mechanics in healthy individuals. Methods: Healthy individuals (n = 12) participated in a walking test while wearing closed back shoes and open back shoes. The explanatory variables in this study were the analysis of gait, posture, and balance before and after walking. The objective variable was footwear (closed back shoes vs. open back shoes). A paired t-test was performed to detect significant differences between the two conditions. Results: Among the test items measured, we found a significant difference in minimum wide tilt angle and left-right differences in step length and intensity while walking between the conditions of closed back shoes and open back shoes. These results suggest that open back shoes could negatively impact posture and balance while walking, even in healthy subjects. Conclusion: It is imperative to improve patient awareness of the risk of falling. We believe that the inclusion of our findings in educational pamphlets and in-house notices could help improve patient awareness and more effectively prevent falls among patients.

Current reports on foot and ankle injuries of American football players

Background. The purpose of this study was to collect current research lines in Ame­rican football regarding the ankles and the foot. The specific goal was to determine how American football affects the ankle joints and the foot, i.e. the frequency, causes and types of injuries as well as various links between the footwear and failure of these structures. Material and methods. The study included 26 publications, drawn mainly from PubMed and related databases, meeting the search criteria. Results. As a result of the review of the publications, the frequency and types of ankle and foot injuries with regard to lower limbs were discussed along with the conditions predisposing for such injuries. Current works focus primarily on injury surveillance databases and on the research on the impact of footwear on the foot and ankle joint. There are works showing the relationship between ankle and foot injuries on the one hand, and the balance on the other. Additionally, some of the articles deal with the past treatments, the time of exclusion from the game and the use of stiffeners to protect the players against overloads and damage to the above-mentioned structures. Conclusions. Our research draws attention to the problem of foot and ankle injuries and shows that preventive, training and physiotherapeutic programs should still be improved due to their high level of trauma. More clinical study is needed to find the specific causes of injuries and prevent them effectively.

Characterization of Anticipatory Postural Adjustments in Lateral Stepping: Impact of Footwear and Lower Limb Preference.

Lateral stepping is a motor task that is widely used in everyday life to modify the base of support, change direction, and avoid obstacles. Anticipatory Postural Adjustments (APAs) are often analyzed to describe postural preparation prior to forward stepping, however, little is known about lateral stepping. The aim of the study is to characterize APAs preceding lateral steps and to investigate how these are affected by footwear and lower limb preference. Twenty-two healthy young participants performed a lateral step using both their preferred and non-preferred leg in both barefoot and shod conditions. APA spatiotemporal parameters (size, duration, and speed) along both the anteroposterior and mediolateral axes were obtained through force plate data. APAs preceding lateral stepping showed typical patterns both along the anteroposterior and mediolateral axis. RM-ANOVA highlighted a significant effect of footwear only on medio-lateral APAs amplitude (p = 0.008) and velocity (p = 0.037). No differences were found for the limb preference. APAs in lateral stepping presented consistent features in the sagittal component, regardless of limb/shoe factors. Interestingly, the study observed that footwear induced an increase in the medio-lateral APAs size and velocity, highlighting the importance of including this factor when studying lateral stepping.

Musculoskeletal disorders, foot health and footwear choice in occupations involving prolonged standing

Occupations that involve prolonged periods of standing and maintaining an upright posture are associated with an increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), particularly of the lower back and lower extremities. Identifying factors that impact WMSD is therefore important, but the foot and footwear have been largely ignored to date. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of WMSD of the lower back and lower extremity with emphasis on foot health and the impact of footwear. A cross-sectional questionnaire was completed by 147 surgical workers who were standing for long periods in their working day. It assessed job demands, individual characteristics, WMSD prevalence, psychosocial factors and footwear, with a multivariate analysis to identify relationships between variables. Results found the low back was the most predominant area of WMSD (71%), but the foot had the second highest prevalence (55%). The plantar foot surface was the main region of foot pain with everyone that experienced foot pain reporting it under the heel, ball of foot or arch region. Footwear was recognised as an influencing factor on WMSD by the participants as well as by the multivariate analysis, highlighting the importance of exploring footwear to reduce WMSD. Footwear comfort, footwear fit, footwear choice and the provision of footwear by employers were all identified as important factors to consider in relation to WMSD and foot health. Relevance to industryFootwear is related to WMSD which are seen in the majority of workers undertaking prolonged standing. Employers of these workers and footwear suppliers should consider footwear comfort, particularly its fit and individual preference for footwear characteristics including underfoot cushioning and support. This should also include consideration of the range of footwear available and how it is selected by workers.

Impact of Footwear and Foot Deformities in patients with Parkinson's disease: A Case-Series Study.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common and complex neurological problem. Gait abnormalities are frequent in PD patients, and this increases the risk of falls. However, little is known about foot deformities and footwear in this vulnerable population. Here we investigate whether patients with PD use an appropriate shoe size and know if they have foot deformities or alterations.Methodology: A study of a series of observational descriptive cases in a convenience sample (n = 53 patients) diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. One trained investigator evaluated foot and ankle health. The footwear and foot measurements were obtained using a Brannock device.Results: The podiatric examination and footwear examination detected a high presence of podiatric pathologies and inappropriate footwear. This has a negative impact on the quality of life of these patients.Conclusions: This research detected an elevated number of people with foot deformities or alterations. Moreover, a high proportion of participants with PD wear inadequate footwear (in length, width, or both).

The Role of Podiatry in the Prevention of Falls in Older People

Given the age-related decline in foot strength and flexibility, and the emerging evidence that foot problems increase the risk of falls, established guidelines for falls prevention recommend that older adults have their feet examined by a podiatrist as a precautionary measure. However, these guidelines do not specify which intervention activities might be performed. Published in this special issue of JAPMA are nine high-quality articles, including seven original studies and two basic science reviews, focusing on the benefit and impact of footwear and foot and ankle interventions in reducing the risk of falling. The selected studies discuss various relevant questions related to podiatric intervention, including adherence to intervention; preference and perception of older adults in selecting footwear; benefit of insoles, footwear, and nonslip socks in preventing falls; fear of falling related to foot problems; benefit of podiatric surgical intervention; and benefit of foot and ankle exercise in preventing falls.

The Impact of Footwear and Walking Distance on Gait Stability in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy

We explored gait differences in patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and aged-matched controls over short and long walking distances. The potential benefit of footwear for improving gait in patients with DPN was also explored. Twelve patients with DPN and eight controls walked at their habitual speed over short (7 m) and long (20 m) distances under two conditions: barefoot and regular shoes. A validated system of body-worn sensors was used to extract spatiotemporal gait parameters. Neuropathy severity was quantified using vibratory perception threshold measured at the great toe. Gait deterioration in the DPN group was observed during all of the walking trials. However, the difference between patients with DPN and participants in the control group achieved statistical significance only during long walking distance trials. Shod and barefoot double support times were longer in the DPN group during long walking distances (>20%, P = .03). Gait unsteadiness, defined as coefficient of variation of gait velocity, was also significantly higher in the DPN group when barefoot walking over long distances (83%, P = .008). Furthermore, there was a high correlation between neuropathy severity and gait unsteadiness best demonstrated during the barefoot walking/long walking distance condition (r = 0.77, P < .001). The addition of footwear improved gait steadiness in the DPN group by 46% (P = .02). All differences were independent of age, sex, and body mass index (P > .05). This study suggests that gait alteration in patients with DPN is most pronounced while walking barefoot over longer distances and that footwear may improve gait steadiness in patients with DPN.

Do external stimuli impact the gait of children with idiopathic toe walking? A study protocol for a within-subject randomised control trial

IntroductionFrequently, toe walking gait is the result of disease processes, trauma or neurogenic influences. Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) is, by definition, the diagnosis of a toe walking gait adopted in...

Effect of children's shoes on gait: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

BackgroundThe effect of footwear on the gait of children is poorly understood. This systematic review synthesises the evidence of the biomechanical effects of shoes on children during walking and running.MethodsStudy inclusion criteria were: barefoot and shod conditions; healthy children aged ≤ 16 years; sample size of n > 1. Novelty footwear was excluded. Studies were located by online database-searching, hand-searching and contact with experts. Two authors selected studies and assessed study methodology using the Quality Index. Meta-analysis of continuous variables for homogeneous studies was undertaken using the inverse variance approach. Significance level was set at P < 0.05. Heterogeneity was measured by I2. Where I2 > 25%, a random-effects model analysis was used and where I2 < 25%, a fixed-effects model was used.ResultsEleven studies were included. Sample size ranged from 4-898. Median Quality Index was 20/32 (range 11-27). Five studies randomised shoe order, six studies standardised footwear. Shod walking increased: velocity, step length, step time, base of support, double-support time, stance time, time to toe-off, sagittal tibia-rearfoot range of motion (ROM), sagittal tibia-foot ROM, ankle max-plantarflexion, Ankle ROM, foot lift to max-plantarflexion, 'subtalar' rotation ROM, knee sagittal ROM and tibialis anterior activity. Shod walking decreased: cadence, single-support time, ankle max-dorsiflexion, ankle at foot-lift, hallux ROM, arch length change, foot torsion, forefoot supination, forefoot width and midfoot ROM in all planes. Shod running decreased: long axis maximum tibial-acceleration, shock-wave transmission as a ratio of maximum tibial-acceleration, ankle plantarflexion at foot strike, knee angular velocity and tibial swing velocity. No variables increased during shod running.ConclusionsShoes affect the gait of children. With shoes, children walk faster by taking longer steps with greater ankle and knee motion and increased tibialis anterior activity. Shoes reduce foot motion and increase the support phases of the gait cycle. During running, shoes reduce swing phase leg speed, attenuate some shock and encourage a rearfoot strike pattern. The long-term effect of these changes on growth and development are currently unknown. The impact of footwear on gait should be considered when assessing the paediatric patient and evaluating the effect of shoe or in-shoe interventions.

The Impact of Footwear and Packweight on Injury and Illness Among Long-Distance Hikers

To determine the prevalence and predictors of injury and illness among long-distance hikers. This was a cross-sectional study of long-distance hikers (> 500 miles [805 km]) along the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trails between August and October of 2006. An 8-page survey instrument was made available to hikers at a designated station near the northern terminus of the respective trails. The survey questions were yes/no or multiple choice. Independent variables included packweight, footwear, and type and frequency of water purification. chi(2) tests to compare categorical data and the Cochran-Armitage test for trend were used (P < .05 significant). We used logistic regression to compare the variables concurrently, and significance was determined using likelihood ratio tests. Profile likelihood confidence intervals for the odds ratios are reported. Of the 128 hikers completing surveys that met inclusion criteria, the mean age was 33 years (range = 18-65 years), 94% walked >1500 miles (2400 km), and 70% were male. Using univariate analysis, trends were noted in the proportion of hikers reporting paresthesias and increasing packweight (35% with 10-20 pound [4.5-9 kg] packs, 50% with 21-30 pound [9.5-13.5 kg] packs, and 69% with >31 pound [14 kg] packs [P < .002]), as well as in the proportion of hikers reporting paresthesias and increasing footwear rigidity (29% sandals, 36% running shoes, 42% hiking shoes, and 68% hiking boots [P < .001]). In multivariate analysis compared to sandals, the odds ratio of suffering from paresthesias with running shoes was 1.57 (95% CI 0.3, 12.2), hiking shoes 1.73 (95% CI 0.3, 13.9), and hiking boots 3.9 (95% CI 0.7, 32.1) (P = .16). Compared to 10 to 20 pound (4.5-9 kg) packs, the odds ratios of suffering from paresthesias with 21 to 30 pound (9.5-13.5 kg) packs was 1.5 (95% CI 0.6, 3.9), and for > 31 pounds (14 kg) was 2.2 (CI 0.7, 7.1) (P = .03). Adjusting for footwear and pack weight, only pack weight was significantly associated with paresthesias. Packweight and footwear were not significantly associated with other musculoskeletal injuries, such as joint sprains or chronic pain, and muscle injuries. There is an association between packweight and the prevalence of paresthesias among long-distance hikers. The association between type of footwear and the prevalence of paresthesias is significant when analyzed independently, but loses its significance when the variables are examined together. This suggests that there is confounding between footwear and packweight.