Article

Habitual footwear use has been reported to influence foot structure with an acute
exposure being shown to alter foot position and mechanics.
The foot is highly
specialised thus these changes in structure/position could influence
functionality. This review aims to investigate the effect of footwear on gait,
specifically focussing on studies that have assessed kinematics, kinetics and
muscle activity between walking barefoot and in common footwear. In line with
PRISMA and published guidelines, a literature search was completed across six
databases comprising Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, AMED, Cochrane Library and Web of
Science. Fifteen of 466 articles met the predetermined inclusion criteria and
were included in the review.
All articles were assessed for methodological
quality using a modified assessment tool based on the STROBE statement for
reporting observational studies and the CASP appraisal tool. Walking barefoot
enables increased forefoot spreading under load and habitual barefoot walkers
have anatomically wider feet. Spatial-temporal differences including, reduced
step/stride length and increased cadence, are observed when barefoot. Flatter
foot placement, increased knee flexion and a reduced peak vertical ground
reaction force at initial contact are also reported. Habitual barefoot walkers
exhibit lower peak plantar pressures and pressure impulses, whereas peak plantar
pressures are increased in the habitually shod wearer walking barefoot. Footwear
particularly affects the kinematics and kinetics of gait acutely and chronically.
Little research has been completed in older age populations (50+ years) and thus
further research is required to better understand the effect of footwear on
walking across the lifespan.
CI - Copyright (c) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS