Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Using a Split-belt Treadmill to Evaluate Generalization of Human Locomotor Adaptation
Published on: August 23, 2017
[Balance therapy shoes - a comparative analysis with respect to immediate training effects]
H Lohrer1, S Turbanski, T Nauck
1Institut Frankfurt am Main, Otto-Fleck-Schneise, Frankfurt/Main. lohrer@sport.uni-frankfurt.de
Background:
Manufacturers attribute specific shoes and sole construction to induce neuromuscular training. Thus injury prevention or rehabilitation from injury is aimed.
Hypothesis:
H1=Different shoe and sole construction result in different load to the neuromuscular system and postural control.
Study Design:
Controlled laboratory study.
Methods:
10 healthy subjects were tested postural stabilization using a force plate and EMG-recordings. First each person performed three 20 sec single leg unshod stance trial (control condition). Then MBT shoe, Finnamic-Rollenschuh and ReflexControl were applied and tested in a randomized order.
Results:
No difference in the EMG- activity was detected comparing the barefoot condition with MBT and Finnamic-Rollenschuh (p=0,051-1,000). However with one exception (barefoot M. gastrocnemius. EMG-activity; p=0,110) putting on the ReflexControl shoe increased the EMG-activity relative to all three tested muscles and shoe/barefoot conditions (p=0,000-0,001). Moreover, the ReflexControl shoe led to a highly significantly higher postural sway (p=0,000-0,072), while MBT, Finnamic-Rollenschuh and barefoot conditions were not statistically different (p=0,818-1,000).
Conclusions:
This study confirms that during upright stance the ReflexControl shoe is a means for neuromuscular training, while MBT and Finnamic-Rollenschuh simulate barefoot stance.