Sarah Stewart1, Nicola Dalbeth2, Peter McNair3, Priya Parmar4, Peter Gow5, Keith Rome3. 1. Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, AUT North Shore Campus, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. Electronic address: sarah.stewart@aut.ac.nz. 2. Counties Manukau District Health Board, Private Bag 94052, South Auckland Mail Centre, Manukau, Auckland 2240, New Zealand; Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, AUT North Shore Campus, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. 3. Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, AUT North Shore Campus, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. 4. The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; Auckland District Health Board, Private Bag 92024, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. 5. Counties Manukau District Health Board, Private Bag 94052, South Auckland Mail Centre, Manukau, Auckland 2240, New Zealand.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that good footwear characteristics may reduce foot pain and foot-related disability in people with gout. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of good and poor footwear characteristics on plantar pressure and spatiotemporal parameters of gait in people with gout. METHODS: Thirty-six people with gout participated in a cross-sectional repeated measures study. Plantar pressure and spatiotemporal parameters were recorded in two shoe conditions: (1) the participants own footwear, and (2) either a new pair of walking shoes with good footwear characteristics (n=21) or poor characteristics (n=15). Differences between good and poor shoe groups compared to participants own shoes were also determined. FINDINGS: Compared to participant's own shoes, footwear with good characteristics significantly reduced peak pressure at metatarsal 3 and 5, reduced pressure time integrals beneath the heel and metatarsals 3 and 5 and increased pressure time integrals beneath the midfoot. The footwear with poor characteristics significantly increased peak pressure beneath the heel and lesser toes, reduced peak pressure at metatarsal 3 and reduced pressure time integrals in the midfoot compared to participants own shoes. Both good and poor footwear significantly increased walking velocity, step length, and stride length compared to participants own shoes. INTERPRETATION: Walking shoes with good footwear characteristics can influence plantar pressure values and encourage a more efficient heel to toe gait pattern in people with gout. These changes may contribute to the reduction in foot pain and foot-related problems in this population.
BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that good footwear characteristics may reduce foot pain and foot-related disability in people with gout. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of good and poor footwear characteristics on plantar pressure and spatiotemporal parameters of gait in people with gout. METHODS: Thirty-six people with gout participated in a cross-sectional repeated measures study. Plantar pressure and spatiotemporal parameters were recorded in two shoe conditions: (1) the participants own footwear, and (2) either a new pair of walking shoes with good footwear characteristics (n=21) or poor characteristics (n=15). Differences between good and poor shoe groups compared to participants own shoes were also determined. FINDINGS: Compared to participant's own shoes, footwear with good characteristics significantly reduced peak pressure at metatarsal 3 and 5, reduced pressure time integrals beneath the heel and metatarsals 3 and 5 and increased pressure time integrals beneath the midfoot. The footwear with poor characteristics significantly increased peak pressure beneath the heel and lesser toes, reduced peak pressure at metatarsal 3 and reduced pressure time integrals in the midfoot compared to participants own shoes. Both good and poor footwear significantly increased walking velocity, step length, and stride length compared to participants own shoes. INTERPRETATION: Walking shoes with good footwear characteristics can influence plantar pressure values and encourage a more efficient heel to toe gait pattern in people with gout. These changes may contribute to the reduction in foot pain and foot-related problems in this population.
Authors: Edward Roddy; Sara Muller; Keith Rome; Priyanka Chandratre; Samantha L Hider; Jane Richardson; Milisa Blagojevic-Bucknall; Christian D Mallen Journal: J Foot Ankle Res Date: 2015-07-23 Impact factor: 2.303