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In the study, the influence of different boot prototype stiffness on gait kinematics and kinetics was investigated. The boot stiffness was determined by force-deformation measurement while pressing the foot model inserted into the boot by a custom-made robot. Gait analysis was carried out in nine neurologically intact subjects during walking while wearing two different boots with and without carrying a backpack, and differences were statistically tested using ANOVA.
The results indicated distinctions in the boot shaft and vamp stiffness. The boot with a softer boot shaft enabled a wider range of motion in the ankle joint leading to more power generation in the ankle joint during the push-off, increased step length and gait velocity. The backpack mostly influenced the pelvis and trunk kinematics.
The study has demonstrated the influence of boot shaft stiffness on biomechanical gait parameters and its importance for push-off that manufacturers should take into consideration when optimizing the footwear performance.
Acknowledgements
The authors express their gratitude to the volunteers who participated in this study, and wish to acknowledge the financial support of the Agency for Research, Republic of Slovenia and Ministry of Defence under Grant Nr.404-03-16/2004/85. Thanks for assistance to Dr. Bojan Nemec and Igor Tomšič.