EFFECT OF SHOE TYPE ON KINEMATICS OF STAIR NEGOTIATION IN WOMEN

摘要

The purpose of this study was to understand the effect of shoe type on adult female stair negotiation. Although previous literature has assessed related measures such as joint kinematics during stair ascent/descent and the effects of shoe type on fall risk for over-ground walking, none has addressed the effects of shoe type on stair negotiation. This research was conducted on a real set of stairs, and volunteers each wore multiple shoe types (sneaker, loafer, high heel, and flip-flop sandal) during the course of testing. Subjects were videotaped while ascending and descending a typical staircase, allowing for observation of several kinematic parameters, including foot placement, speed, and handrail use. The results of an observational analysis indicate that shoe type influences gait patterns during stair negotiation; women wearing high-heeled shoes demonstrate a more controlled gait pattern reflecting an apparent greater demand on foot placement and attention.