Alterations of plantar pressure patterns and foot shape after long distance military marching

• Long-distance road marching including load carriage results in substantial biomechanical loading of the lower extremity of soldiers and is considered a risk factor for the development of lower extremity injury in military personnel. The aim of our study was to quantify changes in biomechanical loading and foot shape occuring after a typical marching task, to compare these data to similar effects already known from endurance running tasks, and to derive recommendations for the design of military footwear. Gait and foot shape of 59 soldiers were assessed using plantar pressure distribution and 3D foot scan measurements pre and post a 25 km road march carrying an 18 kg backpack. Plantar pressure variables indicated a load shift from toes to metatarsal heads II-V after the march, however, none of the foot measures showed any relevant changes. Results are partially consistent with existing findings and point to the need for military footwear design to address the load increase in the area of the lateral metatarsal heads to contribute to injury prevention.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Idrottsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Sport and Fitness Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

plantar pressure

footscan

military boot

gait analysis

load carriage injuries

barefoot walking

in-vivo

volume

stiffness

size

run

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