Effects of unstable elements with different hardness on lower limb loading.
Fengling Li1, Qichang Mei1, Yaodong Gu1
1Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, China.
Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics
|September 25, 2015
Summary
Wearing soft unstable shoes (SS) can reduce knee adduction moments and shift foot pressure laterally compared to hard unstable shoes (HS). This footwear modification may help manage knee osteoarthritis and medial foot injuries.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Footwear Engineering
Background:
- Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent chronic condition.
- Modified footwear structures offer potential for knee disease prevention and relief.
- Understanding footwear properties is crucial for managing lower limb biomechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of shoe surface elastic modulus on knee biomechanics and foot loading.
- To compare the effects of soft unstable shoes (SS) versus hard unstable shoes (HS) on external knee adduction moment and ground reaction force.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen healthy female volunteers participated in the study.
- Each subject completed five walking trials under two shoe conditions (SS and HS).
- Lower limb loading data were collected using force platforms and in-sole pressure measurement systems.
Main Results:
- Soft unstable shoes (SS) significantly decreased the external knee adduction moment throughout the stance phase compared to hard unstable shoes (HS).
- Ground reaction forces did not show significant changes between the two shoe conditions.
- Plantar pressure distribution shifted from the medial to the lateral foot when wearing SS compared to HS, affecting contact areas, average pressure, and impulse.
Conclusions:
- Footwear with a softer, unstable surface can alter lower limb biomechanics beneficially.
- Findings provide evidence for footwear design in managing knee osteoarthritis.
- The results suggest applicability for preventing and treating medial foot injuries.
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