Article

Footwear characteristics can influence, fatigue, comfort, injuries
and energy cost. Members of the United States Army Band have hundreds of
performances a year and these performances often include prolonged standing and
marching in footwear.
The purposes of this paper are to: (1) determine
injury rates before and after wearing a shoe with presumed greater cushioning and
ventilation among US Army Band members, and (2) identify risk factors associated
with foot pain/discomfort. METHODS: To potentially reduce injuries and improve
comfort, 112 band members received shoes with an advertised increase in
cushioning and ventilation. RESULTS: Injury incidence determined from medical
records was 55% in the year before and 57% in the year during which band members
wore the new shoes (p=0.78). Higher risk of foot pain was associated with band
unit (odds ratio (OR(Ceremonial unit/other units)=8.6), 95% confidence interval
(CI): 1.2-60.2), shoe cushioning rating (OR(poor/good)=11.8, 95% CI: 1.5-89.7),
orthotic use (OR(yes/no)=18.5, 95% CI: 2.9-120.3), and how often band members
replaced their shoes (OR(2 years)=11.5, 95% CI: 1.4-95.4).
The new shoes did not lower injury incidence, although specific risk
factors associated with foot pain/discomfort were identified. To potentially
increase the cushioning and comfort, insoles may be considered.
CI - Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Langue : ANGLAIS