BIOMECHANICS OF CHILDREN SHOES USING GAIT ANALYSES IN SADDLERS

Research question: Although gait patterns of children are well describ ed in gait analysis studies for barefoot gait, loading patterns in gai t with shoes have not been analysed compared to barefoot gait. Methods : 30 children (age 1,8 to 4,8 years) were examined. Ground reaction fo rces were recorded using two series connected Kistler plates, taking t he 3D koordinates and the time koordinate. The gait aspect was recorde d using a video system. Three shoe types were tested against each othe r and against barefoot gait. Results: 1399 gait cycles, 739 barefoot, 660 with shoes were usable for calculation. Statistic analyses compari ng barefoot gait to gait with shoes showed: A significant increase in ground contact duration, a shifting of maximal load from the rear towa rds the midfoot area, a significant increased maximal load, a cushioni ng of the initial impact at primary ground contact. A comparison betwe en the shoes showed no significant influence of a medial subtalar orth otic support. Conclusion: Shoes cause a significant change of loading patterns. But there are also significant differences between different shoe types. Clinical relevance: Shoes for children must provide a sta bilisation for the hindfoot, and must not restrict motion in the areas of the ankle and the metatatrsophalangeal joints. The amount of load in the different gait phases must be considered for the construction o f a dynamic shoe for children.