Who would have thought it but wearing Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) footwear can result in decreased postural stability, according to a pilot study carried out at the School of Physiotherapy in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).
The MBT shoe is widely worn across Europe and North America, with over one million pairs being sold across Europe last year. Designed to mimic the natural conditions of standing and walking barefoot on natural terrain, the shoe manufacturers claim these shoes force us to balance and straighten up. (In Ireland, the shoes retail for €200).
Lead researcher Louise Smith said “MBT footwear is increasing in popularity. However, there is little research investigating the effects of MBT footwear on postural sway.”
The study surveyed the postural sway of ten females who owned and regularly wore MBT footwear. Each participant wore MBT footwear, flat-bottom runners and went barefoot. The study revealed significant increase in postural sway when comparing the MBT to flat-bottomed runners and barefoot conditions. No significant differences in postural sway were found when comparing the flat-bottomed runner and barefoot.
Louise said “The MBT shoe significantly increased postural sway, suggesting that the inherently unstable nature of the MBT compromises one’s ability to maintain an upright stance. Poor postural stability, indicated by increased sway is one of the major risk factors for falling.”
No comments:
Post a Comment