Effects Of Arch-Shaped Slippers On Gait Parameters, Ground Reaction Force, And Lower Limb Muscle Activity During Walking

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of wearing double arch-shaped (DAS) slippers during gait, specifically focusing on joint range of motion (ROM), ground reaction force (GRF), and lower extremity muscle activation. The study also compared the DAS with single arch-shaped (SAS) slippers and conventional slippers to assess improvements from previous designs.

Methods: This repeated cross-sectional study recruited 23 healthy adults. Each participant performed gait tasks under three different conditions: (1) wearing DAS slippers, (2) SAS slippers, and (3) standard slippers. Lower extremity muscle activation was measured using surface electromyography (EMG) during treadmill walking, while joint ROM and GRF were assessed using a 3D motion capture system and a force plate. Paired sample t-tests were employed for statistical comparison.

Results: Compared with standard slippers, the DAS slippers significantly reduced GRF across all axes (X, Y, Z) and total force, as well as knee ROM in the vertical (Y) direction and total knee ROM (p<0.05). When compared with SAS, DAS also showed significant reductions in GRF in the Z axis and total force, a reduction in knee ROM along the Y axis, and an increase in ankle ROM along the Z axis (p<0.05). Muscle activation did not differ significantly across conditions.

Conclusion: The DAS slippers attenuated impact forces on the hip, knee, and ankle joints in all directions and limited excessive knee motion, potentially reducing joint overuse during gait. Compared with the SAS slippers, the DAS design further minimized lateral impact forces while enhancing rotational ankle mobility, thereby supporting more stable and efficient gait mechanics.