Masai Barefoot Technology Shoes Research Articles

Effects of Masai Barefoot Technology Footwear Compared with Barefoot and Oxford Footwear on Gait.

Shoes, with their biomechanical features, affect the human body and function as clothing that protects the foot. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoes on gait in healthy, young individuals compared with bare feet and classic stable shoes. The study was conducted in 67 healthy females aged 18 to 30 years. All volunteers walked barefoot, in Oxford shoes, and in MBT shoes and were evaluated in the same session. Kinematic gait analyses were performed. The three performances were compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance to study the variance in the groups themselves, and the Friedman and Wilcoxon paired two-sample tests were used for the intragroup comparisons. We found that the single support time and the swing phase ratio increased during walking in MBT shoes compared with walking in stable shoes, whereas the double support ratio, stride length, cadence, gait speed, loading response ratio, and preswing phase ratio decreased. However, it was found that the step and stride length, step width, and gait speed increased and the preswing phase extended during walking in stable shoes compared with walking barefoot. These results support the hypothesis that MBT shoes facilitate foot cycles as they reduce the loading response and the preswing and stance phase ratios.

The Influence of Different Footwear on Balance and Gait Recovery of Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury during the Second Phase of Rehabilitation

The individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have impairments of cognitive, social and motor functions. Gait impairment is a very important factor for individuals with TBI, since it directly affects the patients’ activities of daily living and their social integration in society. Impaired gait also increases the risk of falls. Gait and balance training is an important factor for the achievement of independence, quality of life and sense of security in moving for persons with TBI, but there is no common approach to these patients’ rehabilitation and gait training methods. It is not clear whether during physiotherapy the patients who wore MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) shoes couldundergo gait and balance recovery more efficiently than those, who wore usual shoes. The aim of the research was to evaluate the influence of different footwear on balance and gait recovery in persons with traumatic brain injury during the second phase of rehabilitation. Research sample consisted of 30 individuals (19–43 yr) who suffered mild to moderate TBI. Targeted persons were randomily divided into two groups of 15 patients: the control group consisted of 15 patients – 10 men and 5 women (age 31.6 ± 8.3 yr), who received the gait and balance training program with normal shoes in the physiotherapy room. The experimental group also consisted of 15 patients – 12 men and 3 women (age 30.6 ± 6.2 yr). The patients of the experimental group did the same exercises, but during physiotherapy they wore MBT shoes. The changes of gait indices for both groups were assessed by Emory gait scale, the changes of balance – by Fullerton balance test. The control of balance and gait significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.001) after rehabilitation. However, the balance and gait improvement in the patients with mild and moderate TBI, who were wearing MBT shoes during the physiotherapy, was exactly the same as in persons, who were wearing usual shoes during the physiotherapy. So, the significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05) was not found. The wearing of MBT shoes during the physiotherapy procedures did not affect the balance and gait recovery in persons with mild and moderate TBI.Keywords: traumatic brain injury, physiotherapy, MBT shoes, gait.

Changes in Contact Pressure at the Lower Extremity Joint with an Unstable Shoe

Unstable shoes are known to increase muscle activities and change one’s gait pattern. However, the effect of unstable shoes on articular cartilages of lower extremity has not been studied. Since the changes in contact pressure applied to cartilage may destroy the cartilage matrix and cause arthritis, the effect of the gait pattern on the contact pressure at the lower extremity joint needs to be studied. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of wearing unstable shoes on contact pressure distribution of the cartilage of lower extremities by integrating motion analysis with finite element (FE) analysis. Among unstable shoe, Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoe was considered as evaluation. Motion capture and gait analysis were performed and the results were applied to FE model as boundary and loading conditions. Finally, FE analysis was performed to simulate the biomechanical behavior of the knee and ankle cartilages according to the changes in gait patterns. Compared to normal shoes, MBT shoe decreased the maximum contact pressure of knee and ankle cartilages during a gait cycle.

The effect of shoe and floor characteristics on walking kinematics

It is common sense that walking on sand poses challenges to postural control. However, there are no studies quantifying the kinematics of sand walking compared to other types of postural perturbations such as unstable shoes. The aim of the study was to investigate differences in walking kinematics during walking on solid ground, in unstable shoes and on unstable surfaces. Nineteen healthy young adults (23.5 ± 1.5 years) performed three different walking tasks: 1) walking at preferred speed while wearing regular shoes; 2) Walking at preferred speed wearing Masai Barefoot Technology shoes and 3) barefoot walking at preferred speed on a large sand grave. Full-body kinematics were recorded during all conditions using an inertial motion capture system. Basic gait parameters (walking speed, stride length and duration), relative vertical center-of-mass position (rvCOM), and ankle, knee and hip joint angles in the sagittal plane were compared across the tasks through statistical parametric mapping over the course of full walking cycles. Participants presented similar walking speed, as well as stride length and duration across different conditions (p > 0.05). However, walking on sand reduced the rvCOM (p < 0.05), while also requiring greater ankle plantarflexion during stance phase (p < 0.05), as well as greater knee and hip flexion during leg swing and initial contact when compared to the other conditions (p < 0.05). It was concluded that walking on sand substantially changes walking kinematics, and may cause greater postural instability than unstable shoes. Therefore, walking on sand can be an alternative to improve postural control in patients undergoing walking rehabilitation.

Biomechanical and neural changes evaluation induced by prolonged use of non-stable footwear: a systematic review.

The aim of this review is to collect and discuss the current best evidence published in literature about the effect of the Masai Barefoot Technology(MBT) shoes on gait and muscle activation and try to draw conclusions on the possible benefits. We searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials. The reference lists of the previously selected articles were then examined by hand. Only studies comparing biomechanical and clinical outcomes were selected. Review, anatomical studies, letter to editor and instructional course were excluded. Finally, all the resulting articles were reviewed and discussed by all the authors to further confirm their suitability for this review: in the end, 22 articles were included. A total of 532 patients presenting a mean age of 34.3years were studied. All patients evaluated were healthy or amateur sports except in two studies where only obese subjects and knee osteoarthritis patients were involved. Seven studies evaluated only male subjects, whereas four studies evaluated only female. Twelve of twenty-two studies performed electromyographic analyses. Weight was reported in 19 studies, whereas body mass index were reported only in a five studies. All studies reported kinematic analysis of shoe effects and compared the relationship between muscle recruitment and electromyographic activity. Unstable footwears were shown to immediately alter the stability in gait during daily-life activities. The center of body pressure is moved posteriorly with a consequent posterior displacement of the upper part of body in order to regain an appropriate body balance, and these postural changes are associated with an overall increase in the activity of lumbar erector spine muscles, as well as certain lower limb muscles. Current literature provides enough cues to conclude for a beneficial role of MBT shoes in the postural and proprioceptive recovery, but from the same literature cannot be drown clear and appropriate guidance to determine more in detail their indication for specific pathological conditions or for particular phases of the musculoskeletal recovery process.

Post-marathon wearing of Masai Barefoot Technology shoes facilitates recovery from race-induced fatigue: an evaluation utilizing a visual analog scale.

PurposeTo investigate the potential benefit of post-race wearing of unstable shoes (Masai Barefoot Technology [MBT]) on recovery from marathon race–induced fatigue.Patients and methodsForty-five runners who participated in a full marathon race were divided into three groups: 1) MBT shoes, 2) trail running shoes, and 3) control (CON). Participants ran a full marathon with their own running shoes, and then put on the assigned shoes immediately after the race. They continued to wear the assigned shoes for the ensuing 3 days. The CON group wore their usual shoes. Estimates of post-race fatigue were made by the participants on questionnaires that utilized a visual analog scale. Estimates were made just after the race, as well as for the next 3 days.ResultsThe subjective fatigue of the MBT group was lower than that of the CON (P<0.05) or trail running shoe groups (P<0.05) on day 3.ConclusionMBT shoe intervention can promote recovery from the fatigue induced by running a full marathon.

Immediate effect of Masai Barefoot Technology shoes on knee joint moments in women with knee osteoarthritis

Footwear modification can beneficially alter knee loading in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This study evaluated the effect of Masai Barefoot Technology shoes on reductions in external knee moments in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Three-dimensional motion analysis was used to examine the effect of Masai Barefoot Technology versus control shoes on the knee adduction and flexion moments in 17 women (mean age, 63.6 years) with radiographically confirmed knee osteoarthritis. The lateral and anterior trunk lean values, knee flexion and adduction angles, and ground reaction force were also evaluated. The influence of the original walking pattern on the changes in knee moments with Masai Barefoot Technology shoes was evaluated. The knee flexion moment in early stance was significantly reduced while walking with the Masai Barefoot Technology shoes (0.25±0.14Nm/kgm) as compared with walking with control shoes (0.30±0.19Nm/kgm); whereas the knee adduction moment showed no changes. Masai Barefoot Technology shoes did not increase compensatory lateral and anterior trunk lean. The degree of knee flexion moment in the original walking pattern with control shoes was correlated directly with its reduction when wearing Masai Barefoot Technology shoes by multiple linear regression analysis (adjusted R2=0.44, P<0.01). Masai Barefoot Technology shoes reduced the knee flexion moment during walking without increasing the compensatory trunk lean and may therefore reduce external knee loading in women with knee osteoarthritis.

Spine kinematics and trunk muscle activity during bipedal standing using unstable footwear

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of unstable footwear on spine kinematics and trunk muscle activity during bipedal stance. Therefore, spinal alignment and concurrent angular velocity measures were assessed in 27 asymptomatic adults while standing with unstable Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoes and standard footwear, respectively, employing a multisegmental three-dimensional trunk model. Electromyographic (EMG) analyses included recordings of the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, external oblique, upper thoracic paraspinals, lower thoracic erector spinae, and lumbar erector spinae. Kinematic and EMG variables were compared for the two shoe conditions via paired Student's t-tests (α = 0.05). Results showed that wearing unstable MBT shoes increased flexion at the mid-thoracic level (0.8°; P = 0.001) and led to greater mean velocities of angular displacement at the thoracolumbar (11.2%; P = 0.003) and at the lumbopelvic (10.8%; P = 0.02) regions, accompanied by more lumbar erector spinae activity (18.2%; P = 0.003). Accordingly, using MBT shoes may have potential implications in promoting spine tissue health, notably at the low back area, through expected improvements in terms of muscle conditioning and/or motor performance. However, additional investigations are warranted to further examine the framework of unstable footwear constructions within prevention and rehabilitation settings.

Evaluation of lower limb electromyographic activity when using unstable shoes for the first time

Unstable shoes, which have recently become popular, claim to provide additional physiological and biomechanical advantages to people who wear them. Alterations in postural stability have been shown when using the shoe after training. However, the immediate effect on muscle activity when walking in unstable shoes for the first time has not been investigated. To evaluate muscle activity and temporal parameters of gait when wearing Masai Barefoot Technology shoes(®) for the first time compared to the subject's own regular trainer shoes. A pilot repeated-measures quasi control trial. Electromyographic measurements of lower leg muscles (soleus, medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, rectus femoris, biceps femoris and gluteus medius) were measured in 15 healthy participants using Masai Barefoot Technology shoes and trainer shoes over a 10-m walkway. Muscle activity of the third and sixth steps was used to study the difference in behaviour of the muscles under the two shoe conditions. Temporal parameters were captured with footswitches to highlight heel strike, heel lift and toe off. Paired samples t-test was completed to compare mean muscle activity for Masai Barefoot Technology and trainer shoes. Indicated that the use of Masai Barefoot Technology shoes increased the intensity of the magnitude of muscle activity. While this increase in the activity was not significant across the subjects, there were inter-individual differences in muscle activity. This variance between the participants demonstrates that some subjects do alter muscle behaviour while wearing such shoes. A more rigorous and specific assessment is required when advising patients to purchase the Masai Barefoot Technology shoe. Not all subjects respond positively to using unstable shoes, and the point in time when muscle behaviour can change is variable. Use of Masai Barefoot Technology shoe in patient management should be monitored closely as the individual muscle changes and the point in time when changes occur vary between subjects, and evaluation of how a subject responds is not yet clear.

The effect of different Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoe models on postural balance, lower limb muscle activity and instability assessment

Unstable shoe constructions may counteract balance deficits and underutilization of lower limb muscles. The Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) concept has been widely analysed in terms of footwear-induced instability. However, previous experiments investigated predominately one specific MBT shoe model. Therefore, the purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of differently shaped MBT soles on stance biomechanics. Mean velocity of centre of pressure (CoP) displacement, root mean square (RMS) tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) activity, as well as subjective perception of instability were recorded in 31 young asymptomatic adults during standing with three different MBT models and a standard control shoe. Statistical analysis included repeated-measures ANOVAs with Bonferroni–Holm adjusted post-hoc tests. MBT footwear, regardless of shape and structure, significantly increased postural sway compared to the control condition. Additionally, there were significant differences between the MBT shoe types. These results coincided with those obtained from instability assessment testing. No significant effects of MBT footwear were detected for the GM and BF muscles. A consistent increase in TA, PL and VL RMS activity was only found for one MBT model. On a muscular level, within-MBT differences were statistically less pronounced than for CoP and for instability rating measures. These findings suggest that specific variations in MBT sole construction criteria differently challenged the postural control system without forfeiting the principal feature of simulating a less firm surface for the user. Further investigations are warranted to examine the framework of instability within the MBT concept, as well as associated intrinsic and extrinsic influences related to rehabilitation and prevention programmes.

Walking in an unstable Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoe introduces kinematic and kinetic changes at the hip, knee and ankle before and after a 6-week accommodation period: a comprehensive analysis using principal component analysis (PCA)

Background: Scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests that some individuals who wear the unstable Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoe experience a reduction in back and joint pain. A more comprehensive biomechanical gait analysis is needed to better understand the mechanisms for symptom relief and what the long-term implications of wearing these shoes might be on the body. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the gait changes introduced at the hip, knee and ankle before and after wearing an unstable MBT shoe for a 6-week accommodation period. Methods: Three-dimensional joint angles and moments were measured for 23 healthy individuals while walking in an unstable MBT shoe and a stable control shoe, both before and after a 6-week accommodation period of wearing the unstable shoe at their workplace. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used on the stance phase waveforms to identify differences between the two shoes and two testing sessions. Results: Joint angle and moment differences between the two shoe conditions were identified both before and after wearing the unstable shoe for the accommodation period. Notable kinematic changes included reduced hip flexion–extension and ankle adduction–abduction range of motion, increased early stance dorsiflexion and increased knee internal rotation for unstable shoe walking. Ankle moments tended to be greater for the unstable shoe and at the hip and knee, both increases and decreases in moments were observed. Conclusions: While many of the identified changes agree with previous research, this is the first study to report increases in some joint moments for the unstable MBT shoe. These increases along with other notable changes do, however, require further investigation to better understand the long-term implications of the unstable MBT shoe.

Effect of a rocker non-heeled shoe on EMG and ground reaction forces during gait without previous training

Unstable shoes have been designed to promote “natural instability” and during walking they should simulate barefoot gait, enhancing muscle activity and, thus, attributing an advantage over regular tennis shoes. Recent studies showed that, after special training on the appropriate walking pattern, the use of the Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoe increases muscle activation during walking. Our study presents a comparison of muscle activity as well as horizontal and vertical forces during gait with the MBT, a standard tennis shoe and barefoot walking of healthy individuals without previous training. These variables were compared in 25 female subjects and gait conditions were compared using ANOVA repeated measures (effect size:0.25). Walking with the MBT shoe in this non-instructed condition produced higher vertical forces (first vertical peak and weight acceptance rate) than walking with a standard shoe or walking barefoot, which suggests an increase in the loads received by the musculoskeletal system, especially at heel strike. Walking with the MBT shoe did not increase muscle activity when compared to walking with the standard shoe. The barefoot condition was more effective than the MBT shoe at enhancing muscle activation. Therefore, in healthy individuals, no advantage was found in using the MBT over a standard tennis shoe without a special training period. Further studies using the MBT without any instruction over a longer period are needed to evaluate if the higher loads observed in the present study would return to their baseline values after a period of adaptation, and if the muscle activity would increase over time.

Kinematic and kinetic characteristics of Masai Barefoot Technology footwear

The Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoe was developed as a walking device to improve gait stability and reduce the joint load. Kinematic changes with MBT shoes have been reported; however, kinetic characteristics with MBT shoes have not been adequately assessed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of using MBT footwear on the kinetic and kinematic changes in the lower extremity in healthy males. Fourteen healthy male subjects (mean age: 25.6±5.1 years) underwent three-dimensional gait analysis. Ground reaction forces (GRF) during the shock absorption phase were significantly decreased with MBT shoes compared with stable shoes. Gait with the MBT shoes showed significantly decreased knee extension angle in the early stance phase, a decreased hip extension angle, and an increased ankle dorsiflexion angle in the late stance phase. The peak value of the ankle planter moment, ankle negative power, and vertical component of the GRF significantly decreased with MBT shoes in the late stance phase compared with stable shoes. Therefore, MBT shoes could assist with shock absorption in the early stance phase and maintain the progression force while reducing joint moment and power. The results of this study suggest that MBT shoes might be effective to improve shock absorption, increase knee extensor muscle activity, and assist ankle push-off.

Oxygen Uptake and Energy Expenditure during Treadmill Walking with Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) Shoes

[Purpose] It is suggested that walking with Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoes will increase oxygen uptake and result in greater consumption of energy relative to walking with conventional shoes, but this has not been sufficiently investigated. [Methods] To examine this supposition, ten subjects walked on a treadmill with different types of shoes (jogging or MBT shoes), treadmill inclinations (zero or 10 % inclination) and walking speeds (i.e. self-selected walking speed or fast walking speed). Oxygen uptake, heart rate, lung ventilation, ratings of perceived exertion and energy expenditure were measured during all walking conditions by a stationary metabolic cart. [Results] On a flat treadmill at self-selected and fast walking speeds, physiological responses were similar for jogging and MBT shoes. In contrast, fast uphill walking with MBT shoes significantly increased oxygen uptake by about 5% relative to jogging shoes. The calculated energy expenditure for 60 minutes of fast, uphill walking was about 6% higher when using MBT shoes. [Conclusion] The magnitude of increases in oxygen uptake and energy expenditure when using MBT shoes were quite small, and the clinical relevance regarding reductions in body weight may be negligible.

Lower extremity joint loading during level walking with Masai barefoot technology shoes in overweight males

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Masai barefoot technology (MBT) shoes on lower extremity joint loading in overweight males during level walking. Therefore, lower extremity kinematics, kinetics, and muscle electromyographic signals of the vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) were recorded in 10 overweight males at a self-chosen walking speed with MBT shoes and conventional shoes. Selected peak joint moments, maximal joint force loading rates, mean muscle intensities, and co-activation indices of the VL/BF, as well as of the VL/GM were analyzed and compared for the two shoe conditions using paired Student's t-tests (α=0.05). Results showed that walking with MBT shoes reduced first peak knee adduction moments in overweight subjects. During midstance and terminal stance, increases in VL/GM co-activation, accompanied by increases in VL and GM (only terminal stance) intensities were found for the MBT situation. Kinetic variables analyzed to assess ankle and hip joint loading did not exhibit any statistical differences. These results suggest that using MBT shoes diminishes medial compartment loads at the knee without overloading hip or ankle joints in overweight males. However, the additional muscle loading should not be overlooked, and warrants further investigation.

Standing in an unstable shoe increases postural sway and muscle activity of selected smaller extrinsic foot muscles

Inactivity or the under-utilization of lower limb muscles can lead to strength and functional deficits and potential injury. Traditional shoes with stability and support features can overprotect the foot and potentially contribute to the deterioration of the smaller extrinsic foot muscles. Healthy subjects ( n = 28) stood in an unstable MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) shoe during their work day for a 6-week accommodation period. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine (i) if unstable shoe wear increased electromyographic (EMG) activity of selected extrinsic foot muscles and increased postural sway compared to standing barefoot and in a stable control shoe and (ii) if postural sway and muscle activity across footwear conditions differed between a pre- and post-accommodation testing visit. Using an EMG circumferential linear array, it was shown that standing in the unstable shoe increased activity of the flexor digitorum longus, peroneal (PR) and anterior compartment (AC) muscles of the lower leg. No activity differences for the larger soleus (SOL) were identified between the stable and unstable shoe conditions. Postural sway was greater while standing in the unstable shoe compared to barefoot and the stable control shoe. These findings suggest that standing in the unstable MBT shoe effectively activates selected extrinsic foot muscles and could have implications for strengthening and conditioning these muscles. Postural sway while standing in the unstable MBT shoe also decreased over the 6-week accommodation period.

The Effects Of MBT Footwear On Balance In An Older Adult: A Case Study

Impaired balance can have a significant negative effect on function in older adults. There are numerous factors that can contribute to poor balance including visual, vestibular, muscular and environmental. As a result, clinicians working with older adults utilize many different treatment approaches to improve balance and function. A recent approach to improve balance is the use of Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoes. Early research of this footwear has shown improvements in muscle strength, balance and posture. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of wearing MBT shoes in an older adult with balance impairments. METHODS: A 72 year old male with a recent history of impaired balance was subjected to a battery of kinematic and kinetic tests prior to and after wearing the MBT shoes for ten weeks while maintaining normal activities. The participant kept a daily log of activity including personal reflection of comfort and function. A variety of balance indicators were measured using the Balance Master; ankle strength was measured using a Cybex dynamometer; and ground reaction forces were measured using AMTI force plates. RESULTS: Temporal and spatial parameters of gait indicated improvements in step width, stride, and speed. Concentric torque output of the dorsi- and plantarflexors improved bilaterally. There was also improvement in balance during closed eyes on foam and increased velocity of rhythmic weight shift in the Anterior/Posterior (A/P) direction. This improvement in A/P motion along with better balance with activities of daily living was noted in the subject's log as well. CONCLUSIONS: Ten weeks of wearing MBT footwear appears to improve strength and temporal and spatial parameters of gait possibly leading to improvements in balance observed in this older adult.

Effects of an unstable shoe construction on balance in women aged over 50 years

Background Shoes with an unstable sole construction are commonly used as a therapeutic tool by physiotherapists and are widely available from shoe and sporting goods retailers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using an unstable shoe (Masai Barefoot Technology) on standing balance, reactive balance and stability limits. Methods Thirty-one subjects agreed to participate in the study and underwent balance tests on three different occasions. After test occasion one (baseline) 20 subjects received Masai Barefoot Technology shoes and were requested to wear them as much as possible for the remaining eight weeks of the study. Three specific balance tests were administered on each test occasion using a Pro Balance Master (NeuroCom International Inc., Oregon, USA). Tests included; a modified sensory organization test, reactive balance test and limits of stability test. Findings Subjects in the intervention group significantly improved their performance on elements of all three tests however results on these variables were not demonstrated to be significantly better than the control group. No significant differences were observed across testing occasions in the control group. Interpretation Results from the present study suggest that, for this group of individuals, use of unstable footwear may improve certain aspects of balance.

The effects of Masai Barefoot Technology footwear on posture: an experimental designed study

AbstractIntroduction. This study was approved by the University of Southampton Ethics Committee. The aim of the study was to assess the anatomical changes to upright posture that occur in the sagittal plane as a result of wearing Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) footwear during standing and walking. MBT claims that its innovative unstable shoes promote a more upright posture in which musculature is strengthened and joint wear reduced (Amann and Amann, 2004). This could be helpful in the management and prevention of conditions such as osteoarthritis and back pain. Method. Twelve students (six male and six female), aged between 18 and 40 years, at the University of Southampton participated in the study. Participants attended one session at a biomechanics laboratory. The kinematics of posture while wearing MBT shoes during standing and gait were examined, using a two‐dimensional motion analysis system, and compared to a control shoe. Statistical significance was tested by use of a paired t‐test and a Wilcoxon signed‐ranks test. Results. Students standing in MBT footwear demonstrated a statistically significant increase in plantar flexion at the ankle joint (p = 0.025; mean flexion 3.02°; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −5.6 to −0.4). Walking in MBT shoes showed a decrease in trunk flexion (p = 0.007; mean flexion 1.44°; 95% CI −2.4 to −0.4) and a reduction in anterior tilt of the pelvis (p = 0.003; mean tilt 3.20°; 95% CI −5.06 to −1.35) at heel strike. At toe‐off a significant reduction in anterior pelvic tilt (p = 0.035; mean tilt 2.35°; 95% CI) was found in the MBT shoes. There was no significant difference found between the two shoe conditions at mid‐stance, pelvic tilt (p = 0.53; mean tilt 1.83 degrees) trunk flexion (p = 0.05; mean flexion 0.95 deg). Conclusion. MBT footwear changes certain characteristics of posture in quiet standing and walking. These findings could have positive implications for the management of conditions such as osteoarthritis and back pain; however, further research is needed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Changes in gait and EMG when walking with the Masai Barefoot Technique

The Masai barefoot technology is used as a treatment option within the field of physical therapy to treat leg, back or foot problems. No information, however, is available on how Masai barefoot technology changes gait or muscle activity. Twelve healthy subjects underwent 3D gait analysis with simultaneously collecting surface electromyography data of the leg muscles when walking with regular shoes and with Masai barefoot technology-shoes. Before data collection, subjects were trained in Masai barefoot technology. A within-subjects study-design compared walking with regular shoes and Masai barefoot technology. With Masai barefoot technology, subjects walked slower with smaller steps. Movement pattern at the ankle showed major changes with increased dorsiflexion angle at initial contact followed by a continuous plantarflexion movement until terminal stance phase. With changed kinematics, alterations in the activity of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles could be observed. Smaller differences in movement and muscle activity were seen at knee and hip level. Masai barefoot technology has never been documented in detail concerning changes in movement pattern or muscle activity. This study showed that Masai barefoot technology changes movement patterns, especially at the ankle, and increases muscle activity. It may therefore be a useful training method for strengthening the muscle groups of the lower leg. Knee flexion and electromyographic characteristics around the knee joint are slightly increased and need to be considered in patients with knee problems. Our findings provide critical detailed information on changes compared to walking in regular shoes, but the clinical relevance of those changes remains to be determined.