Title
Author
DOI
Article Type
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Static and dynamic plantar foot shape following long-term use of military boots
1Exercise Physiology Research Center, Lifestyle Research Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, 009821 Tehran, Iran
2Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, P.O. Box 44316-68151, 009866, Iran
3Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, 009821, Iran
4Department of Physical Education and Special Motricity, Faculty of Physical Education and Mountain Sports, Transilvania University of Braşov, 500068 Braşov, Romania
5Department of Teacher Education, NLA University College, 0166 Oslo, Norway
DOI: 10.22514/jomh.2024.152 Vol.20,Issue 9,September 2024 pp.79-86
Submitted: 13 April 2024 Accepted: 04 July 2024
Published: 30 September 2024
*Corresponding Author(s): Georgian Badicu E-mail: georgian.badicu@unitbv.ro
Foot structure can be influenced by various factors, such as footwear, body weight and physical activity. A change in foot structure can alter shock absorption and force transition. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the long-term use of military boots on foot shape parameters. Thirty military and thirty non-military subjects participated in this case-control study. All participants had been regularly wearing military boots for the past 12 years. After introducing the experiment, static and dynamic footprints were recorded via paper and ink while standing and walking. The footprints were analysed using ImageJ software to extract foot width indices, area indices, truncated arch index, footprint index and arch angle index. The findings indicated no significant difference in comparison static and dynamic variables in the military and non-military groups (p ≥ 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between the two groups in both static (midfoot area, arch index (AI), truncated arch index, footprint index and arch angle index) and dynamic (midfoot width, Staheli Index (SAI), truncated arch index and arch angle index) conditions, when static and dynamic variable were compared (p < 0.05). Findings revealed the military personnel have low arch, making them susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended that military boots be reassessed or that insoles be used. Furthermore, it is suggested that military boots be limited to specific activities and fewer hours of usage to avoid potential health issues.
Military personnel; Military boot; Foot biomechanics; Foot deformities; Gait
Vahid Sobhani,Hossein Nabavinik,Shirin Aali,Georgian Badicu,Luca Paolo Ardigò. Static and dynamic plantar foot shape following long-term use of military boots. Journal of Men's Health. 2024. 20(9);79-86.
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