Spatiotemporal gait parameters are affected by footwear stiffness in toddler-aged children

Footwear plays a significant role in, and can influence children’s gait. Compared to barefoot, children have increased spatiotemporal (ST) gait parameters while walking with footwear. Gait variability, a reflection of the coordination of the movement system, has shown to be affected by footwear. The degree of stiffness in footwear could have a large influence on children’s gait and variability. This study investigated effects of footwear stiffness on ST gait parameters and gait variability (Standard Deviation (SD) and Coefficient of Variation (COV) in novice walkers. Children (age 33 ± 7 months) walked on a treadmill while heel and toe marker positions were acquired for one minute per condition using motion capture software. Participants walked on the treadmill in three footwear stiffness conditions and barefoot. ST gait parameters and gait variability were calculated for each condition. Mean ST gait parameters all increased in the rigid and semi-rigid footwear conditions compared to soft-sole and barefoot. Interestingly, there were no significant differences between barefoot and wearing a moccasin for any of the ST variables. There were no differences in SD and COV between any of the footwear conditions. The moccasin shoe results in walking patterns most similar to barefoot walking, as evidenced by the agreement between ST variables. The moccasin shoes may allow a more natural flow of proprioceptive information while providing protection for the feet. Measures of variability failed to detect differences between footwear conditions. ST parameters are affected by shoe stiffness and this factor should be considered when parents select shoes