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At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Defective running shoes as a contributing factor in plantar fasciitis in a triathlete.

STUDY DESIGN: Case study of a patient who developed plantar fasciitis after completing a triathlon. OBJECTIVES: To describe the factors contributing to the injury, describe the rehabilitation process, including the analysis of defective athletic shoe construction, and report the clinical outcome. BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis has been found to be a common overuse injury in runners. Studies that describe causative factors of this syndrome have not documented the possible influence of faulty athletic shoe construction on the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. METHODS AND MEASURES: The patient was a 40-year-old male triathlete who was followed up for an initial evaluation and at weekly intervals up to discharge 4 weeks after injury and at 1 month following discharge. Perceived heel pain, ankle strength, and range of motion were the primary outcome measures. Shoe construction was evaluated to assess the integrity of shoe manufacture and wear of materials by visual inspection of how shoe parts were glued together, if shoe parts were assembled with proper relationship to each other, if the shoe sole was level when resting on a level surface, and if the sole allowed unstable motion. RESULTS: The patient appeared to have a classic case of plantar fasciitis with a primary symptom of heel pain at the calcaneal origin of the plantar fascia. On initial evaluation, right heel pain was a 9 of 10, plantar flexion strength was a 3+/5, and ankle dorsiflexion motion was 10 degrees. One month after discharge, perceived heel pain was 0, plantar flexion strength was 5/5, and dorsiflexion motion was 15 degrees and equal to the uninvolved extremity. The right running shoe construction deficit was a heel counter that was glued into the shoe at an inward leaning angle, resulting in a greater medial tilt of the heel counter compared with the left shoe. The patient was taught how to examine the integrity of shoe manufacture and purchased a new pair of sound running shoes. CONCLUSIONS: A running shoe manufacturing defect was found that possibly contributed to the development of plantar fasciitis. Assessing athletic shoe construction may prevent lower extremity overuse injuries.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Heel movement within a court shoe.

Lateral movements of the leg and foot were filmed from behind to evaluate court shoes. Inversion/eversion may be an indicator of potential injuries, but estimates of actual inversion/eversion have typically been measured as the angular displacement of marker pairs on the lower leg and on the shoe. The purpose of this study was to measure the shoe movement versus the heel movement inside the shoe in order to determine the appropriateness of using shoe markers to represent the heel position. Two windows were cut into the heel counter of the shoe to show the heel position in addition to shoe position. The subjects were filmed from behind during a lateral side-stepping movement. The difference between the shoe and heel position was [corrected] statistically significant. The average maximum change in heel inversion inside the shoe was 13.3 +/- 3.8 degrees, compared with 30.7 +/- 6.2 degrees for the shoe. In addition, the maximum change in heel inversion in a barefoot movement was 10.1 +/- 3.1 degrees. The results suggest that for a lateral movement shoe markers do not accurately represent the position of the heel, and heel movement inside a shoe is similar to a barefoot movement. Skin markers on the heel as observed through windows in the shoe give a better indication of the actual position of the calcaneus than do markers placed directly on the shoe.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

The effect of orthopaedic shoeing on the force exerted by the deep digital flexor tendon on the navicular bone in horses.

This study quantifies both the intended effect of orthopaedic shoeing to decrease the load on the navicular bone and the eventual undesired effects on gait performance. The compressive force exerted by the deep digital flexor tendon on the navicular bone and on the quality of the trot and redistribution of forces over the flexor tendons and the suspensory ligament were studied as a function of orthopaedic shoeing in 12 sound Dutch Warmblood horses. A modified CODA-3 gait analysis system and a force plate were used to quantify objectively the load on the lower limb. The quality of the trot was assessed using the same gait analysis system while the horses were trotting on the treadmill. The effects of shoes with heel wedges and egg-bar shoes were compared to flat shoes and unshod feet. When heel wedges were applied, the maximal force on the navicular bone was reduced by 24% (P<0.05) in comparison with flat shoes. Egg-bar shoes did not reduce the force on the navicular bone, but in unshod feet this force appeared to be 14% lower (P<0.05) compared to flat shoes. Egg-bar shoes cause the horse's trot to be slightly less animated (P<0.05), compared to flat shoes and shoes with heel wedges. It is concluded that shoes with heel wedges reduce the force on the navicular bone as a result of a decreased moment of force at the distal interphalangeal joint in combination with a decreased angle between the deep digital flexor tendon distally and proximally of the navicular bone. Therefore it can be expected that in horses suffering from navicular disease, heel wedges will have the expected beneficial effect on the pressure on the navicular bone, while the effect of egg-bar shoes remains doubtful.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

The effect of shoe material on the kinetics and kinematics of foot slip at impact on concrete.

Previous studies on shoeing have demonstrated that shoe material alters the time taken from foot impact to the foot stopping sliding (slip time) and the distance slid. These are assumed to reflect differences in the craniocaudal ground reaction force (GRF) between the shoe and the ground during foot slip. This study tested the hypothesis that the slip time and distance are reflected in the resistance to slippage of the foot after impact. The forefeet of 8 horses were shod in horseshoes constructed of steel, plastic and rubber. Each horse was trotted for 8 placements per forefoot in each shoe type over a concrete topped forceplate and simultaneous kinematic data recorded at 240 Hz. Slip distance and slip time were calculated from the kinematic data and craniocaudal (Fy), and vertical (Fz) GRFs determined during slip the averaged for each shoe type. The slip time and distance were variable between runs in all 3 shoe types, and there was no significant difference between the mean values for the 3 shoe types. Fy reached a value of 0.98 +/- 0.17 N/kg during slip in the plastic shoes which was significantly lower than the rubber shoes, at 1.13 +/- 0.17 N/kg, P = 0.02. The Fy/Fz ratio (a measure of dynamic friction) was significantly lower in the plastic shoes, 0.34 +/- 0.08, compared to the steel shoes, 0.46 +/- 0.04, P = 0.003. This study is being extended to investigate effects of shoe slippage at the end of the stance phase and the energy dissipation during foot slip in the different shoe types. Future investigations should aim to identify the optimum slip characteristics to modulate loading (magnitude and rate) during impact, with the aim of reducing the risk of injury.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A comparative mechanical analysis of the pointe shoe toe box. An in vitro study.

Dancing en pointe requires the ballerina to stand on her toes, which are protected only by the pointe shoe toe box. This protection diminishes when the toe box loses its structural integrity. The objectives of this study were 1) to quantify the comparative structural static and fatigue properties of the pointe shoe toe box, and 2) to evaluate the preferred shoe characteristics as determined by a survey of local dancers. Five different pointe shoes (Capezio, Freed, Gaynor Minden, Leo's, and Grishko) were evaluated to quantify the static stiffness, static strength, and fatigue properties (cycles to failure) of the shoes. Under axial loading conditions, the Leo's shoe demonstrated the highest stiffness level, and the Freed shoe exhibited the least strength. Under vertical loading conditions, the Leo's and Freed shoes demonstrated the highest stiffness levels, and the Gaynor Minden and Freed shoes exhibited the highest strength. Fatigue testing highlighted the greatest differences among the five shoes, with the Gaynor Minden demonstrating the highest fatigue life. Dancers rated the top five shoe characteristics, in order of importance, as fit, comfort, box/platform shape, vamp shape, and durability and indicated that the "best" shoe is one that "feels right" and permits artistic maneuvers, not necessarily the strongest or most durable shoe.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Effect of an unstable shoe construction on lower extremity gait characteristics.

BACKGROUND: To compare kinematics, kinetics and muscle activity during standing and walking for healthy subjects using an unstable test shoe (Masai Barefoot Technology, MBT) and a stable control shoe. METHODS: Eight subjects volunteered for this study. During quiet standing, center of pressure excursion and muscle activity were determined. During walking, lower extremity kinematics, kinetics, and muscle electromyographic (EMG) signals were determined. Data were collected for the two shoe conditions after a 2week accommodation period. Statistics included repeated measures ANOVAs (alpha = 0.05) and post hoc tests where appropriate. FINDINGS: During quiet standing, the center of pressure excursion was significantly and substantially greater in the unstable compared to the control shoe. Electromyographic intensity increased in the unstable test shoe for all tested muscles, but only significantly for the tibialis anterior. During locomotion, kinematics were similar in the two shoe conditions except for the initial plantar-dorsiflexion, which showed a significant more dorsiflexed position during the first half of stance in the unstable test shoe compared to the stable control shoe. The angular impulses did not show any significant differences between the two shoe conditions for all three joints but some trends towards a reduction for the knee and hip joint. There were no significant differences in electromyographic activities between the control and the unstable shoe. However, several muscles showed some trends. INTERPRETATION: The unstable shoe produced changes and trends in kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic characteristics that seemed to be advantageous for the locomotor system. Further studies should investigate muscle strength, dynamic stability, pain reduction for arthritic knees and injury prevention for high performance athletes when using the unstable shoes.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2000

Current issues in the design of running and court shoes.

This review paper focuses on the three most important functional design factors for sport shoes: injury prevention, performance and comfort. Concepts for these design factors are discussed for running and court shoes. For running shoes, pronation control and cushioning are still considered to be the key concepts for injury prevention despite the fact that conclusive clinical and epidemiological evidence is missing to show the efficacy of these design strategies. Several design features have been proposed to be effective in controlling the amount of pronation. However, the kinematic effects of such features seem to be subject-specific and rather small especially when looking at the actual skeletal motion. Recent running shoe research suggests that cushioning may not or only marginally be related to injuries and that cushioning during the impact phase of running may be more related to aspects such as comfort, muscle tuning or fatigue. For court shoes, lateral stability, torsional flexibility, cushioning and traction control appear to be important design strategies to decrease the risk of injury. With respect to running performance, the shoe concepts of weight reduction, efficiency and energy return are discussed. The concept of energy return does not seem to be a feasible concept whereas concepts which aim to minimize energy loss appear to be more promising and successful, e.g. weight reduction, reduction of muscle energy required for stabilization. For court shoes, optimal traction seems to be the key factor for performance. Research in the area of shoe comfort is still sparse. Cushioning, fitting and climate concepts appear to improve the comfort of both running and court shoes. Many investigations in the area of sport shoe research have shown that subject-specific responses can be expected. Different groups of athletes may require different types of shoes. The definition of these grouping characteristics and their design needs seem to be the most important challenge for the sport shoe researchers and manufacturers for the near future.

Athletic Injuries↗
PubMed2001

Effects of shoe sole construction on skeletal motion during running.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify effects of shoe sole modification on skeletal kinematics of the calcaneus and tibia during the stance phase of running. METHODS: Intracortical bone pins with reflective marker triads were inserted under standard local anesthetic into the calcaneus and tibia of five healthy male subjects. The three-dimensional tibiocalcaneal rotations were determined using a joint coordinate system approach. Three shoe sole modifications were tested with different sole geometry: a lateral heel flare of 25 degrees (flared), no flare 0 degrees (straight), and a rounded sole. RESULTS: The results showed that these shoe sole modifications did not change tibiocalcaneal rotations substantially. The shoe sole effects at the bone level were small and unsystematic (mean effects being less than 1 degrees ) compared with the differences between the subjects (up to 7 degrees ). Shoe eversion measured simultaneously with shoe markers showed no systematic shoe sole effects. A comparison of shoe and bone results showed the total shoe eversion and maximum shoe eversion velocity to be approximately twice as large as the respective measurements based on bone markers (correlations being r = 0.79 for maximum eversion velocity; r = 0.88 for total eversion), indicating that there may be a relationship or coupling effect between the shoes and the bone. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the tibiocalcaneal kinematics of running may be individually unique and that shoe sole modifications may not be able to change them substantially.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of ambient temperature on the shoe-surface interface release coefficient.

Previous studies of the shoe-surface interface correlated foot fixation with cleat length, configuration, and material composition as well as turf type and surface conditions. Our study examined the effect of temperature on the rotational torsion resistance of artificial turf football shoes. Five football shoe models, a flat-soled basketball-style turf shoe, a natural grass soccer-style shoe, and three multistudded turf shoes, were studied on dry Astro Turf at five temperatures (range, 52 degrees F to 110 degrees F). An assay device, a prosthetic foot mounted on a loaded stainless steel shaft, was used to determine the force necessary to release a shoe from the turf's surface. We used a torque wrench to apply a rotational force so that each shoe was pivoted counterclockwise through an arc of 60 degrees. Our results indicated that release coefficients differ within and among the shoe models at various turf temperatures. We also found that an increase in turf temperature, in combination with cleat characteristics, affects shoe-surface interface friction and potentially places the athlete's knee and ankle at risk of injury. Based on an established risk criterion, which correlated shoe-surface interface combinations in the laboratory with documented clinical occurrences, only the flat-soled basketball-style turf shoe could be designated "safe" or "probably safe" at all five temperatures.

Ankle Injuries↗
PubMed1997

The nonlinear finite element analysis and plantar pressure measurement for various shoe soles in heel region.

The most influential factor contributing to foot and shoe comfort is underfoot cushioning. The shock absorbing ability of footwear in the heel area is of particular importance in reducing the impact load during athletic activities and in therapeutic footwear prescribed for heel pain. Furthermore, foot care for foot problem patients is an important part of treatment and educational programs. Therefore, a well-designed sport shoe which can provide comfort and protection is essential. In order to design a functional shoe, biomechanics and other new technologies should be considered, and the design process should be examined in the biomechanics laboratory over and over. The design process requires too much time and effort since the entire experimental and test work can only be done after the prototype is manufactured. Therefore, this study tried to introduce the Finite Element Method (FEM) into the shoe design process by building a three-dimensional FE model with various shoe soles and loading conditions. The material properties of shoe materials were tested using an Instron Testing Machine. An in-shoe pressure insole was used to measure the plantar pressure in different ambulation conditions with various shoe constructions. The subject for this study was a healthy young male without any foot problem. The average plantar pressures obtained from approximately 50 steps in the heel region for each of the various conditions were collected. The results showed that the mean peak plantar pressure of the running situation was significantly higher than that of the walking situation as predicted, and that the insole could provide better cushioning compared to the other shoe constructions. The stress strain relationship for shoe materials was approximated better by a second-order nonlinear curve according to the Instron test. The results of the finite element method suggested that only the second-order nonlinear stress strain curve could correctly describe the shoe material, which also confirmed a potential valuable role for FEM in designing functional shoes.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1997

Biomechanic effects of a contralateral shoe-lift on walking with an immobilized knee.

OBJECTIVES: A previous study demonstrated that when one knee is artificially immobilized, a contralateral shoe-lift improves the oxygen cost of walking. This study was undertaken to evaluate the kinematic and kinetic effects associated with this shoe-lift. DESIGN: Motion analysis and force platform data were collected in subjects walking (1) normally, (2) with one knee immobilized, (3) with one knee immobilized and with a one-half-inch shoe-lift applied to the contralateral, nonimmobilized shoe, and (4) with a one-inch shoe-lift similarly applied. Kinematic and kinetic data from three trials of each condition were compared graphically and statistically using a repeated measures analysis of variance. SETTING: A gait laboratory. SUBJECTS: Eight able-bodied subjects without known neurologic or musculoskeletal problems. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fifty-two peak kinematic and kinetic variables during various phases of the gait cycle. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (p < .05) between the normal and immobilized knee conditions were noted in 22 variables; however, significant differences between the immobilized knee conditions were found in only 4 variables. There were small improvements with the shoe-lifts toward normal in peak hip abduction, hip abduction at 20% to 30% of the gait cycle, and in peak knee extension moment on the nonimmobilized side. There was a small change away from normal in peak knee extension moment on the immobilized-side for the 1" shoe-lift. CONCLUSION: Wearing a contralateral shoe-lift when one knee is immobilized is associated with only small changes in kinematic and kinetic parameters. The shoe-lift may slightly reduce the need for compensatory hip abduction and vaulting on the nonimmobilized side. Importantly, no adverse biomechanic effect from the shoe-lift was noted except for a slightly increased peak knee extension moment on the immobilized side found for the 1" but not the 1"/2 shoe-lift.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Common allergens in shoe dermatitis: our experience in Lahore, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Shoe dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis resulting from exposure to shoes. Different chemicals, in conjunction with a hot and humid environment within the shoe, give rise to allergic or irritant dermatitis. Allergic shoe dermatitis is commonly caused by constituents of rubber, leather, adhesives, and rarely by linings and dyes. AIM: To determine the frequency of various allergens in shoe dermatitis in our patients. METHODS: One hundred and nine patients suspected of having contact dermatitis due to shoe allergens were included. All patients were patch tested with the Shoe series and European Standard series. Patches were applied on the upper back and removed after 48 h. Results were read at 48, 72, and 120 h and interpreted according to International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) criteria. RESULTS: Of the 119 patients, 87 (73%) reacted positively to various allergens, 48% of whom showed polysensitivity. Glues (33.6%), particularly para-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin (PTBP-FR) (26.9%), were the leading cause of shoe dermatitis. Other allergens were leather chemicals (26.4%), potassium dichromate (16.18%), rubber allergens (7.6%), and dyes (7.6%). Shoe scrapings tested positive in 26.3% of patients. Other common allergens were nickel sulfate (22.7%), neomycin sulfate (10.1%), and cobalt chloride (8.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the diversity of allergens, all patients presenting with shoe dermatitis should be patch tested with the Shoe series and a standard series to determine the etiologic allergens.

Adhesives↗
PubMed2001

Effects of 'navicular' shoeing on equine distal forelimb kinematics on different track surface.

Orthopaedic shoeing applied for disorders such as navicular disease is mostly evaluated on hard track surfaces, but very often horses are ridden only on soft tracks. To compare the effects of normal shoes, eggbar shoes, and shoes with heel wedges (5 degrees) on the kinematics of the distal forelimb on hard and soft track surfaces, eleven sound Dutch Warmblood horses were led across three different tracks (an asphalt, a fibre/sand mix (= Agterberg), and a pure sand track) with three different shoe types (a normal shoe, an eggbar shoe, and a shoe with heel wedges). The hoof rotation and the maximal extension of the fetlock joint at midstance period were recorded by an infrared-light based gait analysis system (ProReflex) at walk and at trot. Statistical analysis revealed significant effects of track and shoe type, and a shoe-track interaction (p<0.05). On soft track surfaces, the equilibrium of the distal forelimb dictated a 1.5-4 degrees forward rotation of the normal or eggbar shod foot, the most on a sand track. The wedge effect on hoof rotation, however, was always significantly greater, but similar to that on the hard track surface (5 degrees forward rotation). The maximal fetlock extension was less on a soft surface, in particular on the sand track (p<0.05). This decrease was most pronounced when the horses were shod with heel wedges and was least pronounced with normal shoes. In conclusion, in particular the sand track allows a forward rotation of the hoof and thus relief of pressure in the navicular area, and a decrease in maximal fetlock extension and thus unloading of the fetlock joint. The extra forward rotation of the hoof induced by heel wedges on hard tracks was almost the same on soft track surfaces. Eggbars and fibre/sand mix tracks have intermediate effects on unloading of the distal forelimb.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

The effects of cycling shoe stiffness on forefoot pressure.

Plantar pressure data were recorded in two different shoe types to determine the effect of cycling shoe stiffness on peak plantar forefoot pressure in cyclists. Two pairs of shoes of the same size and manufacturer, identical except for outsole material and stiffness, were tested. Shoe stiffness measurements were collected under controlled conditions and in two different configurations using a dynamic hydraulic tensile testing machine. Measurements of plantar pressure were done using Pedar capacitive-based sensor insoles while subjects pedaled in a seated position at a controlled power output. Power output was set at a constant value of 400 W across all subjects by a magnetic resistance trainer unit. The pressure distribution in carbon-fiber-composite shoes during cycling was compared to cycling shoes made with plastic soles. Carbon fiber shoes presented stiffness values 42% and 550% higher than plastic shoes in longitudinal bending and three-point bending, respectively. The shoes made with carbon fiber produced peak plantar pressures 18% higher than those of plastic design (121 kPa vs. 103 kPa, p = .005). Competitive or professional cyclists suffering from metatarsalgia or ischemia should be especially careful when using carbon fiber cycling shoes because the shoes increase peak plantar pressure, which may aggravate these foot conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Assessment of plantar pressure in forefoot relief shoes of different designs.

BACKGROUND: After reconstructive forefoot surgery, patients require complete or partial forefoot relief, which can be obtained with a variety of shoe designs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two different types of forefoot-relief shoes frequently used after surgery, especially their safety against unintentional forefoot load. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were asked to perform five trials on a treadmill at self-selected speeds. In the first trial, mean peak pressure values in mass-produced shoes and insoles were evaluated and considered as 100%. Two different shoe designs (short heel-short sole, ii: short heel-complete sole) were compared in two trials each with appropriate and inappropriate use (attempting to put weight on the forefoot) gait pattern. Plantar pressure values were obtained using the Pedar cable system (Novel Inc., Munich, Germany). For analysis, pedobarographic pictures were subdivided into midfoot (31% to 60% of the total insole length) and forefoot (61% to 100% of the total insole length). ANOVA was used for statistical analysis, and p values less than 0.01 were considered significant. RESULTS: With the short-soled shoe, forefoot and midfoot relief was 100% in both compliant and in noncompliant use. With wearing a complete sole, compliant use led to a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of mean peak pressure under the forefoot (34 +/- 13% remaining) and midfoot (47 +/- 13% remaining). Noncompliant use of the complete-sole shoe produced mean peak pressure values significantly higher (p < 0.01) than normal gait in mass produced shoes under the forefoot, but not under the midfoot. CONCLUSIONS: Forefoot-relief shoes are effective in reducing both mean and peak plantar pressures. Shoes with a nonsupported midfoot and forefoot may be safer with inappropriate use than shoes with a complete sole. The kind of forefoot shoe should be carefully chosen to regulate weightbearing after reconstructive forefoot surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Shoe contact dermatitis in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Patch testing with the shoe series may be useful for the diagnosis of shoe contact dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to verify the usefulness of the shoe series and the association of fungal infection with positive results in the shoe series. METHODS: A total of 140 patients with suspected shoe contact dermatitis underwent patch testing with the standard series and shoe series; 41 underwent mycologic examination. RESULTS: Positive results in the shoe series were noted in 58 patients (41.4%). The most common allergens were potassium dichromate (27.2%), nickel sulfate (11.9%), Kathon CG (10.9%), and 4-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin (8.7%). Of the 41 patients with suspected tinea pedis, 13 (32%) had positive mycologic findings and 9 (69.2%) also had a positive response to the shoe series. Of the patients with a negative result on mycologic examination, only 10 (35.7%) had a positive result in the shoe series. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that all patients with foot dermatitis should undergo patch testing with the shoe series. Positive results in the shoe series seem to be more prevalent in patients with a fungal infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Effects of shoe lift on weight bearing in stroke patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of shoe lift, cueing and cueing with shoe lift on weight bearing in paretic leg of stroke hemiparetic patients and compare the effect between each condition. DESIGN: Cross-sectional experimental study. SETTING: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Department of Ear Nose and Throat, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University. SUBJECT: Ten hemiparetic patients as a result of unilateral stroke. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Weight symmetry of each patient was measured by posturography during quiet stance and in conditions of compelled weight shift. Each patient was started with quiet standing, standing with shoe lift under the sound leg; cueing and cueing with shoe lift under the sound leg respectively. Weight symmetry scores were recorded for comparing the weight distribution between each foot. RESULTS: There were 10 hemiparetic patients. Seven were male. The average age was 53.4 +/- 8.45 years. There were 5 right hemiparesis and 5 left hemiparesis. The average onset was 12.3 +/- 15.73 months. In the right hemiparetic patients, weight bearing in the paretic leg was significantly improved when cueing with shoe lift compared with quiet standing and with shoe lift (Backward p = 0.012, Forward p = 0.011 and Backward p = 0.001, Forward p = 0.036 respectively). In the left hemiparetic patients, weight bearing in the paretic leg was significantly improved when cueing compared with quiet standing (Backward p = 0.046), and when using the shoe lift (Backward p = 0.016). Cueing with shoe lift could significantly improve weight bearing in the paretic leg when compared with shoe lift alone (Backward p = 0.015). Shoe lift alone could improve weight bearing in the paretic leg of the right and left hemiparetic patients but was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cueing with shoe lift under the sound leg can significantly improve weight bearing of the paretic leg of the right and left stroke hemiparetic patients.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗
PubMed1985

Biomechanics of running shoe performance.

The running shoe provides shock absorption and motion control for the runner. The change in shock-absorption properties has been studied as a function of miles run. Different models of running shoes encompassing various manufacturers' models and price ranges were mechanically tested to simulate the repeated heel strikes of running. The energy absorbed by the shoes was determined from the area under the load deformation curve at various intervals to the equivalent of having run 500 miles. Shoes were also tested at similar intervals after having been worn by volunteers during normal training. A difference of approximately 33 per cent in the initial shock absorption was observed in the different shoe models tested. In general, the mechanically tested shoes retained approximately 75 per cent of their initial shock absorption capability after 50 miles and approximately 67 per cent after 100 to 150 miles. Between 250 and 500 miles, the shoes retained less than 60 per cent of their initial shock-absorption capacity. The shoes tested after having been worn during running by volunteers had similar but less severe degradation characteristics. These shoes tended to retain approximately 70 per cent of the initial shock absorption characteristics were apparent based upon either shoe price or manufacturer. In addition, shoes that exhibited superior initial shock absorption capability often had more rapid degradation characteristics.

Athletic Injuries↗