Effect of flow material ski boots on foot circulation

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Physiology

Background:

• Modern ski boots utilize "flow material" which may affect foot hemodynamics.
• Previous research has not fully elucidated the circulatory impact of these advanced boot designs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of "flow material" ski boots on foot circulation.
• To compare pressure and blood flow in feet wearing ski boots versus bare feet.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 113mIndium chloride for blood pool scanning to assess radioactivity uptake in feet.
• Performed plethysmographic studies with a mercury strain gauge to measure blood pressure.
• Employed 133Xenon clearance technique to evaluate intramuscular perfusion.

Main Results:

• Flow material ski boots generated significantly higher internal pressures, exceeding diastolic pressure in some areas.
• Radioactivity levels were significantly lower in booted feet, indicating reduced blood volume.
• Arterial pulse waves were altered, and intramuscular perfusion was diminished in booted feet, improving upon unbuckling.

Conclusions:

• High pressure within flow material ski boots can impair foot circulation.
• Adjusting buckle tension and unbuckling periodically are recommended to mitigate circulatory compromise for skiers.