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Research Article
Walking barefoot decreases loading on the lower extremity joints in knee osteoarthritis
Article first published online: 31 AUG 2006
DOI: 10.1002/art.22123
Copyright © 2006 by the American College of Rheumatology
1529-0131/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=104d5c2bb8ef72deba26790b855af7ab80697a0e "Arthritis & Rheumatism")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Shakoor, N. and Block, J. A. (2006), Walking barefoot decreases loading on the lower extremity joints in knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 54: 2923–2927. doi: 10.1002/art.22123
Publication History
- Issue published online: 31 AUG 2006
- Article first published online: 31 AUG 2006
- Manuscript Accepted: 16 JUN 2006
- Manuscript Received: 27 FEB 2006
Funded by
- NIH
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Grant Numbers: 1-P50-AR-048941, K23-AR-049748
- Schweppe Foundation
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the effects that modern shoes have on gait and lower extremity joint loads in osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods
Gait analyses were performed on 75 subjects with knee OA while they were wearing their everyday walking shoes and while they were walking barefoot. The trials involved optoelectronic detection of external markers during ambulation over a multicomponent force plate, and were matched for speed. Comparisons were made of gait parameters and joint loading during trials in which the subjects walked while wearing shoes and while barefoot.
Results
Peak joint loads at the hips and knees significantly decreased during barefoot walking, with an 11.9% reduction noted in the knee adduction moment. Stride, cadence, and range of motion at the lower extremity joints also changed significantly, but these changes could not explain the reduction in the peak joint loads.
Conclusion
Shoes may detrimentally increase loads on the lower extremity joints. Once factors responsible for the differences in loads between with-shoe and barefoot walking are better delineated, modern shoes and walking practices may need to be reevaluated with regard to their effects on the prevalence and progression of OA in our society.