![]() Therefore, it considered to function naturally like barefoot walking while providing a protective surface. Wear of such footwear has been shown to be closely related to barefoot running conditions. In recent years, minimalist footwear (characterized by light weight, high flexibility and absence of cushioning material) has been increasingly promoted for its use in sportive and recreational activities. ![]() Thus, barefoot walking might result in beneficial effects on sensorimotor control. Both sensory feedback sensitivity and increased foot strength showed to improve balance in older adults, and are therefore significant predictors in the prevention of falls. Accordingly, suggest that walking barefoot is less restricting for motion control, which increases the sensitivity of the sensory mechanisms and activates the foot and lower leg muscles. noted that permanent support to the foot might result in degenerative efficiency in foot muscles and sensitivity, and therefore carry a potential of adverse effects on the gait pattern. In relation to this, older adults are often advised to wear shoes with low heels and firm slip-resistant soles. įootwear has been implicated as a factor in falls, which again is a crucial issue affecting health and quality of life in older adults. Besides internal factors, evidence reveals that footwear as an external criterion has a significant impact on the gait pattern. Due to degenerative processes of the neuromuscular system and other age-related adaptations, older adults typically exhibit the following gait characteristics: (i) a wider stance and extended bipedal ground contact with shorter steps as well as (ii) a diminished swing phase. With an increase in age, however, deficiencies in gait frequently evolve while the risk of falling increases. Especially in older adults, a well-functioning gait pattern is recognized to be essential for autonomous participation in daily life. With respect to reducing the risk of falling, we suggest that minimalist shoes could be an alternative to barefoot walking or a transition option between shoes to barefoot for older adults.īipedal gait is one of the most fundamental sensorimotor tasks performed every day. ![]() ![]() Thus, walking with minimalist shoes is not similar to barefoot walking. Walking with minimalist shoes appeared to be associated with better gait performance than walking barefoot in both age groups. older adults) were detected in all gait outcomes. barefoot walking) for the outcomes of local dynamic stability ( p = .013), MTC variability ( p = .018), and stride length variability ( p < .001) indicating increased local dynamic stability and decreased gait variability during the minimalist shoe condition. The results for both age groups showed significant condition effects (minimalist shoes vs. Gait variability of minimum toe clearance (MTC), stride length, stride time, and local dynamic gait stability were analysed. Participants walked on flat ground, once barefoot and once with minimalist shoes. In a randomized within-subject study design, 31 healthy younger (29 ± 4 years) and 33 healthy community-dwelling older adults (71 ± 4 years) volunteered. This study investigated whether overground walking with minimalist shoes is comparable to barefoot walking regarding gait stability and variability parameters. Despite a growing popularity of these shoes in the older population, little is known about the influence of minimalist footwear on gait patterns. These shoes are considered to function naturally like barefoot walking while providing a protective surface. In recent years, minimalist footwear has been increasingly promoted for its use in sportive and recreational activities.
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