Recherche clinique sur le pied et la cheville

Abstrait

Comparative Analysis of User Perception and Step Length Using Toe Separating, Contoured Sandals versus Thong Style Flip-Flops

Jay Emlen, Loretta Logan, Michael Huchital, Amanda Siegel, Matthew Weintraub, John T Doucette, Peter Barbosa

Objective: Traditional thong style flips-flops are a popular form of footwear that is widely accepted in diverse cultures around the world. Several new products have emerged on the market with similar modifications, including padded toe separators in each of the four interdigital spaces and contoured foot beds containing medial arch support and deep heel seats. We examined one of these toe separating, contoured sandals (TSCS) to assess the user perception and biomechanical impact of this new trend of modifications. Twenty subjects participated in this study which examined step length differences and participant satisfaction comparing TSCS to generic thong style flip-flops.
Methods: To access subject satisfaction, 20 volunteer female participants were asked to complete a 21-question user satisfaction survey. Step length was examined using the Pedigait motion capture and video gait analysis system. Step length differences between sandal types were compared using a paired T-test.
Results: Evaluation of the data revealed that subjects reported positive perceptions with respect to stability (97%), support (75%), balance (65%), and flexibility (45%) afforded by the TSCS. The experimental TSCS were associated with a significantly greater average step length than that of the control flip-flop (3.6 vs. 3.2; p<0.0001).
Conclusion: Through subjective (user perceptions) and objective (measured step length events) means it was determined that TSCS provide an improved means of ambulation as compared to traditional thong style flip-flops.