Immediate after-effects of shapes of clothing worn on tandem gait performance

This study investigated the immediate after-effects of clothing shape on tandem gait performance.

Nineteen healthy men (21.8 ± 1.8 years) performed tandem gait tests while blindfolded under three clothing conditions: only half or short tights, a cotton cloth wrapped around the waist and draped to the middle point of the lower leg (DC), and tracksuit bottoms (TS). Participants performed pre- and post-gait tests at their fastest possible speed while wearing tights. Between the pre- and post-tests, participants practiced the same tandem gait, but at their own chosen speed while wearing DC or TS.

The practice with the DC increased gait speed and decreased lateral shift during the post-gait test compared to the pre-gait test. The practice while wearing the TS also reduced lateral shift but did not increase gait speed.

These results suggest that some clothing shapes are more effective for motor learning of balance control during tandem gait by enhancing the feedback for body orientation. Clothing that has a certain amount of space between the material and the body and that makes contact with the body as it moves may be more effective.