Metabolic Differences Between Shod and Barefoot Walking in Children
S P Shultz1, S D Houltham1, S M Kung1
1School of Sport and Exercise, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|February 4, 2016
Summary
Children expend more energy when walking in shoes compared to walking barefoot. Barefoot walking is more economical for children, impacting energy expenditure and gait mechanics.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Exercise Physiology
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Footwear significantly influences children's gait biomechanics.
- Limited research exists on the energetic costs of walking with and without shoes in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic and energetic differences between barefoot and shod walking in children.
- To analyze the impact of footwear on oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, and gait economy.
Main Methods:
- 25 children (9.7±1.4 years) participated in the study.
- Participants walked for 5 minutes under barefoot and shod (running shoe) conditions on an instrumented treadmill.
- Metabolic parameters (oxygen consumption, energy expenditure) and center of mass vertical displacement were measured.
Main Results:
- Shod walking resulted in significantly higher oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, and lower economy compared to barefoot walking.
- Barefoot walking showed a smaller center of mass vertical displacement.
- No significant differences were found in substrate utilization between conditions.
Conclusions:
- Barefoot walking is more energetically economical for children at natural walking speeds.
- The increased energy cost associated with shod walking should be considered in pediatric footwear evaluations.
