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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Using Gold-standard Gait Analysis Methods to Assess Experience Effects on Lower-limb Mechanics During Moderate High-heeled Jogging and Running
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Using Gold-standard Gait Analysis Methods to Assess Experience Effects on Lower-limb Mechanics During Moderate High-heeled Jogging and Running

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Footwear effects on walking balance at elevation.

Peter Simeonov1, Hongwei Hsiao, John Powers

  • 1Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. psimeonov@cdc.gov

Ergonomics
|November 27, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Shoe style significantly impacts worker instability when walking at elevation. Proper footwear design can enhance rear foot control and ankle proprioception to reduce fall risks.

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Area of Science:

  • Occupational Safety
  • Biomechanics
  • Ergonomics

Background:

  • Falls from elevation remain a significant risk in construction.
  • Footwear is a critical interface between the worker and the work surface, influencing balance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of different shoe styles on worker instability during elevated walking tasks.
  • To identify footwear design features that can improve balance and reduce fall risk in construction workers.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-four construction workers performed walking tasks in a virtual reality simulated roof environment.
  • Three athletic and three work shoe styles were tested on various plank surfaces (wide, narrow, tilted) at simulated elevation.
  • Measurements included trunk and rear foot angular velocities, and perceived instability.

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Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds
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Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds

Published on: August 25, 2020

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Using Gold-standard Gait Analysis Methods to Assess Experience Effects on Lower-limb Mechanics During Moderate High-heeled Jogging and Running
06:35

Using Gold-standard Gait Analysis Methods to Assess Experience Effects on Lower-limb Mechanics During Moderate High-heeled Jogging and Running

Published on: September 14, 2017

Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds
05:52

Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds

Published on: August 25, 2020

Main Results:

  • Shoe style significantly influenced workers' walking instability at elevated work environments.
  • Specific shoe designs can improve walking balance by enhancing rear foot motion control and ankle proprioception.
  • Challenges in optimal shoe selection for roof work were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Footwear plays a critical role in maintaining balance and stability during elevated work, particularly on narrow surfaces.
  • Recommendations for footwear selection and design are provided to mitigate fall risks.
  • The study contributes to understanding balance control and the human-support surface interface in occupational settings.