Article

The Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoe was developed as a walking device to
improve gait stability and reduce the joint load. Kinematic changes with MBT
shoes have been reported; however, kinetic characteristics with MBT shoes have
not been adequately assessed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
immediate effects of using MBT footwear on the kinetic and kinematic changes in
the lower extremity in healthy males. Fourteen healthy male subjects (mean age:
25.6 +/- 5.1 years) underwent three-dimensional gait analysis. Ground reaction
forces (GRF) during the shock absorption phase were significantly decreased with
MBT shoes compared with stable shoes. Gait with the MBT shoes showed
significantly decreased knee extension angle in the early stance phase, a
decreased hip extension angle, and an increased ankle dorsiflexion angle in the
late stance phase. The peak value of the ankle planter moment, ankle negative
power, and vertical component of the GRF significantly decreased with MBT shoes
in the late stance phase compared with stable shoes. Therefore, MBT shoes could
assist with shock absorption in the early stance phase and maintain the
progression force while reducing joint moment and power. The results of this
study suggest that MBT shoes might be effective to improve shock absorption,
increase knee extensor muscle activity, and assist ankle push-off.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS