Influence of wearing an unstable shoe on thigh and leg muscle activity and venous response in upright standing

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Sousa, A (Author) Other; João Manuel R. S. Tavares (Author) FEUP; Macedo, R (Author) Other; Rodrigues, AM (Author) Other; Santos, R (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Applied Ergonomics

Vol. 43 No. 5

Pages: 933-939

ISSN: 0003-6870

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 14 Citations

Scopus - 21 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-6RQ

DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2012.01.001

Abstract (EN): Purpose: To quantify the effect of unstable shoe wearing on muscle activity and haemodynamic response during standing. Methods: Thirty volunteers were divided into 2 groups: the experimental group wore an unstable shoe for 8 weeks, while the control group used a conventional shoe for the same period. Muscle activity of the medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris and biceps femoris and venous circulation were assessed in quiet standing with the unstable shoe and barefoot. Results: In the first measurement there was an increase in medial gastrocnemius activity in all volunteers while wearing the unstable shoe. On the other hand, after wearing the unstable shoe for eight weeks these differences were not verified. Venous return increased in subjects wearing the unstable shoe before and after training. Conclusions: The unstable shoe produced changes in electromyographic characteristics which were advantageous for venous circulation even after training accommodation by the neuromuscular system.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7