Effects of Masai Barefoot Technology Footwear Compared with Barefoot and Oxford Footwear on Gait

2021 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sevgi Özdinç ◽  
Enis Uluçam
Keyword(s):  
Gait Speed ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Phase Ratio ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Repeated Measures Analysis ◽  
Length Step ◽  
Support Ratio ◽  
Biomechanical Features ◽  
And Function

Background Shoes, with their biomechanical features, affect the human body and function as clothing that protects the foot. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoes on gait in healthy, young individuals compared with bare feet and classic stable shoes. Methods The study was conducted in 67 healthy females aged 18 to 30 years. All volunteers walked barefoot, in Oxford shoes, and in MBT shoes and were evaluated in the same session. Kinematic gait analyses were performed. The three performances were compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance to study the variance in the groups themselves, and the Friedman and Wilcoxon paired two-sample tests were used for the intragroup comparisons. Results We found that the single support time and the swing phase ratio increased during walking in MBT shoes compared with walking in stable shoes, whereas the double support ratio, stride length, cadence, gait speed, loading response ratio, and preswing phase ratio decreased. However, it was found that the step and stride length, step width, and gait speed increased and the preswing phase extended during walking in stable shoes compared with walking barefoot. Conclusions These results support the hypothesis that MBT shoes facilitate foot cycles as they reduce the loading response and the preswing and stance phase ratios.

Comparative Analysis of Human Gait While Wearing Thong-Style Flip-flops versus Sneakers

2010 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 251-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin F. Shroyer ◽  
Wendi H. Weimar
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Swing Phase ◽  
Human Gait ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Gait Kinematics ◽  
Repeated Measures Analysis ◽  
Ankle Angle ◽  
Stance Time ◽  
Kinematics And Kinetics

Background: Flip-flops are becoming a common footwear option. Casual observation has indicated that individuals wear flip-flops beyond their structural limit and have a different gait while wearing flip-flops versus shoes. This alteration in gait may cause the anecdotal foot and lower-limb discomfort associated with wearing flip-flops. Methods: To investigate the effect of sneakers versus thong-style flip-flops on gait kinematics and kinetics, 56 individuals (37 women and 19 men) were randomly assigned to a footwear order (flip-flops or sneakers first) and were asked to wear the assigned footwear on the day before and the day of testing. On each testing day, participants were videotaped as they walked at a self-selected pace across a force platform. A 2 (sex) × 2 (footwear) repeated-measures analysis of variance (P = .05) was used for statistical analysis. Results: Significant interaction effects of footwear and sex were found for maximal anterior force, attack angle, and ankle angle during the swing phase. Footwear significantly affected stride length, ankle angle at the beginning of double support and during the swing phase, maximal braking impulse, and stance time. Flip-flops resulted in a shorter stride, a larger ankle angle at the beginning of double support and during the swing phase, a smaller braking impulse, and a shorter stance time compared with sneakers. Conclusions: The effects of footwear on gait kinetics and kinematics is extensive, but there is limited research on the effect of thong-style flip-flops on gait. These results suggest that flip-flops have an effect on several kinetic and kinematic variables compared with sneakers. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 100(4): 251–257, 2010)

Digital Biomarkers of Cognitive Frailty: The Value of Detailed Gait Assessment Beyond Gait Speed

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
He Zhou ◽  
Catherine Park ◽  
Mohammad Shahbazi ◽  
Michele K. York ◽  
Mark E. Kunik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Cognitive Frailty ◽  
Single Task ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Digital Biomarkers

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Cognitive frailty (CF), defined as the simultaneous presence of cognitive impairment and physical frailty, is a clinical symptom in early-stage dementia with promise in assessing the risk of dementia. The purpose of this study was to use wearables to determine the most sensitive digital gait biomarkers to identify CF. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Of 121 older adults (age = 78.9 ± 8.2 years, body mass index = 26.6 ± 5.5 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) who were evaluated with a comprehensive neurological exam and the Fried frailty criteria, 41 participants (34%) were identified with CF and 80 participants (66%) were identified without CF. Gait performance of participants was assessed under single task (walking without cognitive distraction) and dual task (walking while counting backward from a random number) using a validated wearable platform. Participants walked at habitual speed over a distance of 10 m. A validated algorithm was used to determine steady-state walking. Gait parameters of interest include steady-state gait speed, stride length, gait cycle time, double support, and gait unsteadiness. In addition, speed and stride length were normalized by height. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Our results suggest that compared to the group without CF, the CF group had deteriorated gait performances in both single-task and dual-task walking (Cohen’s effect size <i>d</i> = 0.42–0.97, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.050). The largest effect size was observed in normalized dual-task gait speed (<i>d</i> = 0.97, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). The use of dual-task gait speed improved the area under the curve (AUC) to distinguish CF cases to 0.76 from 0.73 observed for the single-task gait speed. Adding both single-task and dual-task gait speeds did not noticeably change AUC. However, when additional gait parameters such as gait unsteadiness, stride length, and double support were included in the model, AUC was improved to 0.87. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This study suggests that gait performances measured by wearable sensors are potential digital biomarkers of CF among older adults. Dual-task gait and other detailed gait metrics provide value for identifying CF above gait speed alone. Future studies need to examine the potential benefits of gait performances for early diagnosis of CF and/or tracking its severity over time.

scholarly journals Immediate effects of a novel walking assist device with auxiliary illuminator on patients after acute strokes

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (02) ◽  
pp. 115-124
Author(s):  
Wan-Yun Huang ◽  
Sheng-Hui Tuan ◽  
Min-Hui Li ◽  
Xin-Yu Liu ◽  
Pei-Te Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Gait Speed ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Stance Phase ◽  
Gait Cycle ◽  
Swing Phase ◽  
Heel Strike ◽  
Assist Device ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Strike Angle ◽  
Support Phase

Background: Many patients after acute stage of stroke are present with abnormal gait pattern due to weakness or hypertonicity of the affected limbs. Facilitation of normal gait is a primary goal of rehabilitation on these patients.Objective: We aimed to investigate whether walking assist device with auxiliary illuminator (quad-cane with laser) providing visual feedback during ambulation could improve parameters of gait cycle immediately among patients with subacute and chronic stroke.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and 30 participants (male 23, female 7, group 1) with mean age [Formula: see text] years were recruited. Among them, 22 used ankle-foot orthosis [(AFO), group 2] and 8 did not use AFO (group 3) at usual walking. All the participants walked along a strait corridor with even surface for 20[Formula: see text]m without and with using a quad-cane with laser, respectively. A gait analyzer (Reha-Watch1 system) was used to measure the changes of the parameters of gait cycle, including stride length, cadence, gait speed, stance phase, swing phase, duration of single support and double support, the angle between toes and the ground at the time of toe-off (the toe-off angle) and the angle between calcaneus and the ground at the time of heel-strike (the heel-strike angle), before and with the use of a quad-cane with laser.Results: The increase in the heel-strike angle reached a significant difference in groups 1 2, and 3 ([Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], respectively). However, the stride length, the gait speed, the cadence, percentage of the stance phase, swing phase, single-support phase, and double-support phase in a gait cycle, and the toe-off angle showed no significant change with the use of quad-cane with laser.Conclusion: Patients after acute stroke had an immediate and significant increase in the heel-stroke angle by using a quad-cane with laser during ambulation, which might help the patients to reduce knee hyperextension moment and lessen the pressure of heel at loading phase.

scholarly journals Gait Abnormalities and the Risk of Falls in CKD

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 983-993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeannie Tran ◽  
Emmeline Ayers ◽  
Joe Verghese ◽  
Matthew K. Abramowitz
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Gait Cycle ◽  
Hazard Ratio ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Lower Egfr ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Gait Abnormalities

Background and objectivesOlder adults with CKD are at high risk of falls and disability. It is not known whether gait abnormalities contribute to this risk.Design, setting, participants, & measurementsQuantitative and clinical gait assessments were performed in 330 nondisabled community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years. CKD was defined as an eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Cox proportional hazards models were created to examine fall risk.ResultsA total of 41% (n=134) of participants had CKD. In addition to slower gait speed, participants with CKD had gait cycle abnormalities including shorter stride length and greater time in the stance and double-support phases. Among people with CKD, lower eGFR was independently associated with the severity of gait cycle abnormalities (per 10 ml/min per 1.73 m2 lower eGFR: 3.6 cm [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.4 to 5.8] shorter stride length; 0.7% [95% CI, 0.3 to 1.0] less time in swing phase; 1.1% [95% CI, 0.5 to 1.7] greater time in double-support phase); these abnormalities mediated the association of lower eGFR with slower gait speed. On clinical gait exam, consistent with the quantitative abnormalities, short steps and marked swaying or loss of balance were more common among participants with CKD, yet most had no identifiable gait phenotype. A gait phenotype defined by any of these abnormal signs was associated with higher risk of falls among participants with CKD: compared with people without CKD and without the gait phenotype, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.72 (95% CI, 1.06 to 2.81) for those with CKD and the phenotype; in comparison, the adjusted hazard ratio was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.40 to 1.25) for people with CKD but without the phenotype (P value for interaction of CKD status and gait phenotype =0.01).ConclusionsCKD in older adults is associated with quantitative gait abnormalities, which clinically manifest in a gait phenotype that is associated with fall risk.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Changes in Temporospatial Gait Characteristics during the First Year Post-Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1648
Author(s):  
John W. Chow ◽  
Dobrivoje S. Stokic
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Gait Characteristics ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Support Time ◽  
Post Onset ◽  
Step Parameters

Given the paucity of longitudinal data in gait recovery after stroke, we compared temporospatial gait characteristics of stroke patients during subacute (<2 months post-onset, T0) and at approximately 6 and 12 months post-onset (T1 and T2, respectively) and explored the relationship between gait characteristics at T0 and the changes in gait speed from T0 to T1. Forty-six participants were assessed at T0 and a subsample of 24 participants at T2. Outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer lower-extremity motor score, 14 temporospatial gait parameters and symmetry indices of 5 step parameters. Except for step width, all temporospatial parameters improved from T0 to T1 (p ≤ 0.0001). Additionally, significant improvements in symmetry were found for the initial double-support time and single-support time (p ≤ 0.0001). Although group results at T2 were not different from those at T1, the individual analysis revealed that 42% (10/24) of the subsample showed a significant increase in gait speed. The increase in gait speed from T0 to T1 was negatively correlated with gait speed and stride length, and positively correlated with the symmetry indices of stance and single-support times at T0 (p ≤ 0.002). Temporospatial gait parameters and stance time symmetry improve over the first 6 months after stroke with an apparent plateau thereafter. Approximately 40% of the subsample continue to increase gait speed from 6 to 12 months post-stroke. A greater increase in gait speed during the first 6 months post-stroke is associated with initially slower walking, shorter stride length, and more pronounced asymmetry in stance and single-support times. The improvement in lower-extremity motor function and bilateral improvements in step parameters collectively suggest that gait changes over the first 12 months after stroke are likely due to neurological recovery, although some compensation by the non-paretic side cannot be excluded.

scholarly journals Predialysis fluid overload and gait speed: a repeated measures analysis among patients on chronic dialysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1027-1031 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Carlos ◽  
Barbara Grimes ◽  
Mark Segal ◽  
Kirsten Johansen
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Fluid Overload ◽  
Lower Serum ◽  
Repeated Measures Analysis ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Slow gait speed is associated with hospitalization and death. We examined whether predialysis fluid overload contributes to gait speed impairment. Methods We measured predialysis gait speed at baseline and 12 and 24 months among 298 patients recruited in the A Cohort Study to Investigate the Value of Exercise in ESRD/Analyses Designed to Investigate the Paradox of Obesity and Survival in ESRD. We used multivariable linear mixed modeling to examine associations between patient data and gait speed. We then added either bioimpedance-estimated volume of predialysis fluid overload or volume of delivered ultrafiltration to ascertain whether fluid excess was associated with gait speed and its trajectory. We also tested whether fluid overload change with time was predictive of gait speeds. Results The mean baseline gait speed was 1.01 m/s and it declined by an average of 0.08 m/s/year. Older age, nonwhite race, Hispanic ethnicity, diabetes, recent fall, recent hospitalization, tobacco use and lower serum albumin were associated with slower gait speed. Each liter of predialysis fluid overload was associated with a 0.02 m/s slower gait speed [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01–0.04, P = 0.008] and 0.05 m/s additional slowing per year (95% CI 0.03–0.06, P &lt; 0.0001). Higher ultrafiltration volumes were associated with 0.07 m/s slower gait speed per 3% body weight removed (0.002–0.14, P = 0.045) but not with gait speed trajectory (P = 0.08). Patients who increased fluid overload walked 0.08 m/s slower compared with those who decreased fluid overload (95% CI 0.003–0.15, P = 0.04). Conclusions Predialysis fluid overload was associated with slower gait speed and gait speed decline over time. Interventions that limit fluid overload may lead to improvements in physical performance.

scholarly journals Rhythmic Sensory Stimulation on Gait in Patients With Chronic Stroke

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yungon Lee ◽  
Sunghoon Shin
Keyword(s):  
Stride Length ◽  
Gait Cycle ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
Chronic Stroke ◽  
Gait Variability ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Normal Walking ◽  
Gait Performance ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Support Ratio

Abstract Background: Patients with stroke suffer from impaired locomotion which exhibit unstable walking with increased gait variability. Rhythmic sensory stimulation is one approach for improving the gait of persons with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or the elderly. However, the effects of this approach on the gait of patients with chronic stroke are unclear. This study was conducted to identify the effects of rhythmic sensory stimulation on the gait of patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Twenty 20 older adults with stroke (mean age ± SD, 72.10 ± 7.15 years; female/male, 8/12) and twenty age- and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age ± SD, 72.65 ± 6.93 years; female/male, 8/12) walked 60 m under four conditions: (1) normal walking with no stimulation, (2) walking with rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), (3) walking with rhythmic somatosensory stimulation (RSS), and (4) walking with rhythmic combined stimulation (RCS: RAS + RSS). RAS was applied through an earphone in the ear of each participant, while RSS was applied through a haptic device on the wrist of the participant. RCS was applied simultaneously via an earphone and haptic device. The gait performance (i.e., mean gait speed, stride length, gait cycle, cadence, stance ratio, swing ratio, and double support ratio) and gait variability (i.e., coefficient of variation (CV) value of stride length, gait cycle, stance ratio, swing ratio, and double support ratio) were evaluated. Results: Gait performance in the stroke group was significantly improved in walking with RAS, RSS, and RCS compared to normal walking with no stimulation (P < 0.008). Gait variability was significantly decreased in the RAS, RSS, and RCS conditions compared to that during normal walking (P < 0.008). The gait performance and variability in the healthy control group were not significantly different under the RAS, RSS, or RCS conditions compared to those under normal walking (P > 0.008). Conclusions: Rhythmic sensory stimulation is effective in improving the gait of patients with chronic stroke, regardless of the type of rhythmic stimuli, compared to healthy controls. Trial registration: This study was approved by the Bioethics Committee (IRB-2019-04-003-001), and all participants provided written informed consent.

scholarly journals Gait parameters of individuals with Parkinson disease decline during one-year period

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 7-18
Author(s):  
Kadri Medijainen ◽  
Mati Pääsuke ◽  
Aet Lukmann ◽  
Pille Taba
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson Disease ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Gait Characteristics ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Gait Function ◽  
One Year

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease, influencing mainly elderly. The key motor factor affecting the level of participation in activities of daily living is the gait function, which is known to be progressively impaired in PD. However, gait characteristics also worsen due to normal aging. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether gait parameters decline in individuals with PD in an interval of one year compared to healthy elderly. Selected gait characteristics were recorded using 3-D optoelectronic movement analysis system ELITE in 13 patients with mild-to-moderate PD and 13 age- and gender-matched controls. Hoehn and Yahr Scale and Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale were used for clinical assessment. It was found that PD patients walk with significantly shorter steps and stride and reduced gait speed. In one year, the stride length initiated with right foot and stride walk ratio further decrease in PD patients. On re-evaluation the percentages of stance, swing and double support phase differed significantly between groups. In second measurement, control subjects walked with reduced step width. It was concluded that gait speed and stride length decline in patients with PD in a period of one year, whereas no indication of deterioration of gait function is evident in healthy controls.

Getting Grounded Gracefully©: Effectiveness and Acceptability of Feldenkrais in Improving Balance

2009 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Freda Vrantsidis ◽  
Keith D. Hill ◽  
Kirsten Moore ◽  
Robert Webb ◽  
Susan Hunt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Feldenkrais Method ◽  
Strong Trend ◽  
Repeated Measures Analysis ◽  
And Function ◽  
Weekly Group

The Getting Grounded Gracefully© program, based on the Awareness Through Movement lessons of the Feldenkrais method, was designed to improve balance and function in older people. Fifty-five participants (mean age 75, 85% women) were randomized to an intervention (twice-weekly group classes over 8 wk) or a control group (continued with their usual activity) after being assessed at baseline and then reassessed 8 wk later. Significant improvement was identified for the intervention group relative to the control group using ANOVA between-groups repeated-measures analysis for the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale score (p= .003) and gait speed (p= .028), and a strong trend was evident in the timed up-and-go (p= .056). High class attendance (88%) and survey feedback indicate that the program was viewed positively by participants and might therefore be acceptable to other older people. Further investigation of the Getting Grounded Gracefully program is warranted.

What Gait Features Influence the Amount and Intensity of Physical Activity in People with Multiple Sclerosis?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Pau ◽  
Micaela Porta ◽  
Giuseppina Pilloni ◽  
Giancarlo Coghe ◽  
Eleonora Cocco
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Inertial Sensor ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Temporal Parameters ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Abstract Background: Although the mutual relationship between ambulation and Physical Activity (PA) in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) has been described in several studies, there is still a lack of detailed information about the way in which specific aspects of the gait cycle are associated with amount and intensity of PA. This study aimed to verify the existence of possible relationships among PA parameters and the spatio-temporal parameters of gait when both are instrumentally assessed.Methods: Thirty-one pwMS (17F, 14M, mean age 52.5, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score 3.1) were requested to wear a tri-axial accelerometer 24h/day for 7 consecutive days and underwent an instrumental gait analysis, performed using an inertial sensor located on the low back, immediately before the PA assessment period. Main spatio-temporal parameters of gait (i.e. gait speed, stride length, cadence and duration of stance, swing and double support phase) were extracted by processing trunk accelerations. PA was quantified using average number of daily steps and percentage of time spent at different PA intensity, the latter calculated using cut-point sets previously validated for MS. The existence of possible relationships between PA and gait parameters was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient rho.Results: Gait speed and stride length were the parameters with the highest number of significant correlations with PA features. In particular, they were found moderately to largely correlated with number of daily steps (rho 0.62, p<0.001), percentage of sedentary activity (rho = -0.44, p<0.001) and percentage of moderate-to-vigorous activity (rho = 0.48, p<0.001). Small to moderate significant correlations were observed between PA intensity and duration of stance, swing and double support phases.Conclusions: The data obtained suggest that the most relevant determinants associated with higher and more intense levels of physical activity in free-living conditions are gait speed and stride length.The simultaneous quantitative assessment of gait parameters and PA levels might represent a useful support for physical therapists in tailoring optimized rehabilitative and training interventions.

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