A Method for Accessing the Non-Slip Function of Socks in an Acute Maneuver

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Assessing sock non-slip properties in dynamic activities is difficult due to obscured foot motion within the shoe upper.
• Existing methods often struggle with accuracy due to skin artifacts and shoe upper integrity.
• A reliable and accessible method is needed to evaluate sock performance during athletic maneuvers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a novel method for estimating the non-slip function of socks during acute motor tasks.
• To investigate the efficacy of measuring forces at the foot-upper interface for quantifying sock friction.
• To compare this new method with traditional ground reaction force measurements.

Main Methods:

• Participants performed a shuttle run task wearing socks with varying frictional characteristics.
• Pressure sensors were integrated into the shoe upper to measure forces generated by foot movement.
• Ground reaction forces were simultaneously recorded using a force platform for comparison.

Main Results:

• Peak force and impulse values derived from foot-upper interface pressure sensors showed significant differences across sock conditions.
• No significant differences were observed in peak force and impulse values calculated from ground reaction forces.
• The foot-upper interface measurement method proved sensitive to variations in sock frictional properties.

Conclusions:

• Measuring forces at the foot-upper interface is a viable and effective approach to quantify the non-slip function of socks.
• This method provides an affordable alternative for assessing sock performance with reduced susceptibility to skin artifacts and shoe upper variations.
• The findings support the use of in-shoe pressure sensing for evaluating footwear and apparel interaction during dynamic activities.