Article

Inactivity or the under-utilization of lower limb muscles can lead to strength
and functional deficits and potential injury. Traditional shoes with stability
and support features can overprotect the foot and potentially contribute to the
deterioration of the smaller extrinsic foot muscles. Healthy subjects (n=28)
stood in an unstable MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) shoe during their work day
for a 6-week accommodation period. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to
determine (i) if unstable shoe wear increased electromyographic (EMG) activity of
selected extrinsic foot muscles and increased postural sway compared to standing
barefoot and in a stable control shoe and (ii) if postural sway and muscle
activity across footwear conditions differed between a pre- and
post-accommodation testing visit. Using an EMG circumferential linear array, it
was shown that standing in the unstable shoe increased activity of the flexor
digitorum longus, peroneal (PR) and anterior compartment (AC) muscles of the
lower leg. No activity differences for the larger soleus (SOL) were identified
between the stable and unstable shoe conditions. Postural sway was greater while
standing in the unstable shoe compared to barefoot and the stable control shoe.
These findings suggest that standing in the unstable MBT shoe effectively
activates selected extrinsic foot muscles and could have implications for
strengthening and conditioning these muscles. Postural sway while standing in the
unstable MBT shoe also decreased over the 6-week accommodation period.
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Langue : ANGLAIS