Influence of unstable footwear on lower leg muscle activity, volume change and subjective discomfort during prolonged standing

Karimi, Z and Allahyari, T and Azghani, M.R and Khalkhali, H.R (2016) Influence of unstable footwear on lower leg muscle activity, volume change and subjective discomfort during prolonged standing. Applied Ergonomics, 53. pp. 95-102.

Preview

Text zaiyar karimi and Allahyari.pdf Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

The present study was an attempt to investigate the effect of unstable footwear on lower leg muscle activity, volume change and subjective discomfort during prolonged standing. Methods: Ten healthy subjects were recruited to stand for 2 h in three footwear conditions: barefoot, flatbottomed shoe and unstable shoe. During standing, lower leg discomfort and EMG activity of medial gastrocnemius (MG) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were continuously monitored. Changes in lower leg volume over standing time also were measured. Results: Lower leg discomfort rating reduced significantly while subjects standing on unstable shoe compared to the flat-bottomed shoe and barefoot condition. For lower leg volume, less changes also were observed with unstable shoe. The activity level and variation of right MG muscle was greater with unstable shoe compared to the other footwear conditions; however regarding the left MG muscle, significant difference was found between unstable shoe and flat-bottomed shoe only for activity level. Furthermore no significant differences were observed for the activity level and variation of TA muscles (right/left) among all footwear conditions. Conclusions: The findings suggested that prolonged standing with unstable footwear produces changes in lower leg muscles activity and leads to less volume changes. Perceived discomfort also was lower for this type of footwear and this might mean that unstable footwear can be used as ergonomic solution for employees whose work requires prolonged standing

Actions (login required)

View Item