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LOWER EXTREMITY SAGITTAL PLANE KINEMATICS IN NON-SLIP SOCK DURING GAIT

Abstract

J. L. Grace, C.M. Wilburn, B.E. Decoux, J.E. Tompkins, H.H. Houde, J.J. Kosek, B. Adlou, M.E. Hancock, & W.H. Weimar, Auburn University, Auburn, AL

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity kinematic patterns are vital for locomotive and balancing tasks. Deviations within sagittal plane kinematics can induce falls in at-risks population. Podiatric devices, such as non-slip socks, have been used as an alternative method to reduce the likelihood of falls on floors. Thus, this study examined ankle and knee kinematics during self-selected walking pace. METHODS: 13 participants walked under three randomized footwear conditions, barefoot (BF), traditional non-slip socks (HS), and compressed non-slip socks with an arch band (ANS). Sagittal plane ankle and knee kinematics were averaged amongst three successful trials under each condition. A series of repeated measures ANONVA was conducted to investigate the magnitude of sagittal plane ankle kinematics at foot contact, midstance, and toe off. RESULTS: The results displayed significance at toe-off amongst the footwear conditions (F (2,22) = 5.202; p =.011; η2=.321). Follow-up comparisons displayed a main effect between ANS and HS ( p=.006) and no significant difference between ANS and BF (p= .162) nor BF and HS (p=.149). CONCLUSIONS: The significant difference at toe off between ANS and HS suggests that the participants showed a higher confidence in the ability of the ANS for propulsion. Further studies will investigate the influence of AHS on various other lower extremity kinematic and kinetic gait patterns, in addition to the potential of reducing falls in at-risk populations.

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