THE EFFECT OF MOTION CONTROL SHOES ON REDUCING THE FORCE AND PRESSURE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PRONATED FEET DURING WALKING

Abstract

Excessive foot pronation may alter the biomechanics of lower limbs during locomotion and is associated with a number of lower limb injuries. The motion control shoes have been found to be effective in reducing the foot pronation and peak pressure during running. However, differences in biomechanics exist between running and walking. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether the force and pressure may be reduced while walking with motion control shoes. Thirty-five participants with unilateral pronated foot were recruited, and the motion control shoes with the possibility of adjusting its midsole hardness were prescribed. The participants walked with three shoes conditions: own shoes, motion control shoes with and without adjustments while the force and pressure were recorded via the in-shoe dynamic pressure measuring system. Better stability and decreased pain sensation were reported while walking with the motion control shoes compared with participants’ own shoes. Similarly, the decrease of both peak force and pressure was also observed while walking with motion control shoes. However, the adjustment of the midsole hardness did not provide additional effect in either force or peak pressure. Consistent to the previous findings in running, our findings suggest that the motion control shoes are effective in reducing force and pressure during walking. Future studies are needed to investigate the short- and long-term effect of the motion control shoes during walking.