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The effects of Masai Barefoot Technology footwear on posture: an experimental designed study
Author(s) -
New Paul,
Pearce Julian
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
physiotherapy research international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.509
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1471-2865
pISSN - 1358-2267
DOI - 10.1002/pri.386
Subject(s) - barefoot , medicine , ankle , physical therapy , sagittal plane , physical medicine and rehabilitation , trunk , force platform , statistical significance , surgery , anatomy , ecology , biology
. This study was approved by the University of Southampton Ethics Committee. The aim of the study was to assess the anatomical changes to upright posture that occur in the sagittal plane as a result of wearing Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) footwear during standing and walking. MBT claims that its innovative unstable shoes promote a more upright posture in which musculature is strengthened and joint wear reduced (Amann and Amann, 2004). This could be helpful in the management and prevention of conditions such as osteoarthritis and back pain. Method . Twelve students (six male and six female), aged between 18 and 40 years, at the University of Southampton participated in the study. Participants attended one session at a biomechanics laboratory. The kinematics of posture while wearing MBT shoes during standing and gait were examined, using a two‐dimensional motion analysis system, and compared to a control shoe. Statistical significance was tested by use of a paired t ‐test and a Wilcoxon signed‐ranks test. Results . Students standing in MBT footwear demonstrated a statistically significant increase in plantar flexion at the ankle joint ( p = 0.025; mean flexion 3.02°; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −5.6 to −0.4). Walking in MBT shoes showed a decrease in trunk flexion ( p = 0.007; mean flexion 1.44°; 95% CI −2.4 to −0.4) and a reduction in anterior tilt of the pelvis ( p = 0.003; mean tilt 3.20°; 95% CI −5.06 to −1.35) at heel strike. At toe‐off a significant reduction in anterior pelvic tilt ( p = 0.035; mean tilt 2.35°; 95% CI) was found in the MBT shoes. There was no significant difference found between the two shoe conditions at mid‐stance, pelvic tilt ( p = 0.53; mean tilt 1.83 degrees) trunk flexion ( p = 0.05; mean flexion 0.95 deg). Conclusion . MBT footwear changes certain characteristics of posture in quiet standing and walking. These findings could have positive implications for the management of conditions such as osteoarthritis and back pain; however, further research is needed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.