The Effect Of Extended Durations Of Walking In Different Footwear On Measures Of Balance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of extended walking durations on a hard firm surface in different types of industrial footwear on balance and postural control. Postural sway variables (RMS sway and sway velocity in the medio lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) directions) were measured, based on center of pressure (COP) movement, with the NeuroCom Equitest Balance Master-Posture Platform Sensory Organization Test (SOT). Fourteen healthy adult males participated, and measures were taken at 30 minute time intervals over 4 hours of standing/walking. The eyes open (EO) condition of the SOT was utilized for this study. Each subject endured three testing conditions of footwear: the Steel-Toed Work Boots (WB), Tactical Boots (TB), and Low-Top Flat Sole Slip-Resistant Boots (LB). The postural sway measures taken are an indication of balance; increased postural sway is indicative of a decrease in balance, which may be a result of muscular fatigue. No significant results with regard to AP RMS sway, AP sway velocity, or ML sway velocity were obtained. However, ML RMS sway was shown to increase significantly across subjects over the 4 hour duration. It can be h)q)othesized that these increases in ML RMS sway resulted mainly from hip and knee muscular fatigue. The high boot shafts utilized in this study could be a cause for obligate hip strategy utilization and, thus, muscular fatigue at the hip IV and knee. Because ML sway magnitude is strongly correlated with falls in general, the results of this study are relevant, especially as possible contributory factors to decreases in balance in industrial settings, in which falls are relatively prevalent