| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 551193 | Applied Ergonomics | 2012 | 7 Pages |
PurposeTo quantify the effect of unstable shoe wearing on muscle activity and haemodynamic response during standing.MethodsThirty volunteers were divided into 2 groups: the experimental group wore an unstable shoe for 8 weeks, while the control group used a conventional shoe for the same period. Muscle activity of the medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris and biceps femoris and venous circulation were assessed in quiet standing with the unstable shoe and barefoot.ResultsIn the first measurement there was an increase in medial gastrocnemius activity in all volunteers while wearing the unstable shoe. On the other hand, after wearing the unstable shoe for eight weeks these differences were not verified. Venous return increased in subjects wearing the unstable shoe before and after training.ConclusionsThe unstable shoe produced changes in electromyographic characteristics which were advantageous for venous circulation even after training accommodation by the neuromuscular system.
Graphical abstractOn the left: Values for mean and standard deviation of medial gastrocnemius (MG), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps femoris (BF) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles activity (% MIC) during standing with and without the unstable shoe before and after 8 weeks of unstable shoe wearing (USW) by the experimental group (a) and the same period of conventional shoe wearing (CSW) by the control group (b). On the right: mean and standard deviation values of venous velocity at the common femoral (CFV) and popliteal (PV) veins during standing with and without the unstable shoe before and after 8 weeks of USW by the experimental group and 8 weeks of CSW by the control group.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Unstable shoe usage leads to a short and long term increase of venous flow in upright standing. ► Unstable shoe usage promotes short and long term changes in muscle activation, mainly at the ankle joint, in upright standing. ► Unstable shoe wearing produce changes in EMG characteristics that are advantageous for venous circulation during upright standing. ► Unstable shoe wearing can be used as a prophylactic measure for preventing venous insufficiency.
