Article

Falls are an important healthcare concern in the older population and tripping is
the primary cause. Greater swing foot-ground clearance is functional for tripping
prevention. Trips frequently occur due to the lowest part of the shoe contacting
the walking surface. Shoe design effects on swing foot-ground clearance are,
therefore, important considerations. When a shoe is placed on a flat surface,
there usually is small vertical margin (VM) between the walking surface and the
minimum toe point (MTP).
The current study examined the effects of VM on swing
foot-ground clearance at a critical gait cycle event, minimum foot clearance
(MFC). 3D coordinates of the swing foot (i.e. MTP and heel) were obtained during
the swing phase. MTP represented the swing foot-ground clearance and various MTPs
were modelled based on a range of VMs. The sagittal orientation of the toe and
heel relative to the walking surface was also considered to evaluate effects of
VM and swing foot angle on foot-ground clearance. Greater VM increased the swing
foot-ground clearance. At MFC, for example, 0.09 cm increase was estimated for
every 0.1cm VM. Foot angle throughout the swing phase was typically -30 degrees
and 70 degrees . Increasing swing ankle dorsiflexion can maximise VM, which is
effective for tripping prevention. Further research will be needed to determine
the maximum thresholds of VM to be safely incorporated into a shoe.
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Langue : ANGLAIS