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ABSTRACT
Objective : Traditional thong style flips-flops are a popular form of footwear that is widely accepted in diverse cultures around the world . Several new products have emerged on the market with similar modifications , including padded toe separators in each of the four interdigital spaces and contoured foot beds containing medial arch support and deep heel seats . We examined one of these toe separating , contoured sandals ( TSCS ) to assess the user perception and biomechanical impact of this new trend of modifications . Twenty subjects participated in this study which examined step length differences and participant satisfaction comparing TSCS to generic thong style flip-flops .
Methods : To access subject satisfaction , 20 volunteer female participants were asked to complete a 21-question user satisfaction survey . Step length was examined using the Pedigait motion capture and video gait analysis system . Step length differences between sandal types were compared using a paired T-test .
Results : Evaluation of the data revealed that subjects reported positive perceptions with respect to stability ( 97 %), support ( 75 %), balance ( 65 %), and flexibility ( 45 %) afforded by the TSCS . The experimental TSCS were associated with a significantly greater average step length than that of the control flip-flop ( 3.6 vs . 3.2 ; p < 0.0001 ).
Conclusion : Through subjective ( user perceptions ) and objective ( measured step length events ) means it was determined that TSCS provide an improved means of ambulation as compared to traditional thong style flip-flops .
Read This Article , Take Survey to Earn Continuing Education Units
The Pedorthic Footcare Association ( PFA ) offers Continuing Education Units ( CEUs ), approved by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics , Prosthetics & Pedorthics , Inc . ( ABC ) and the Board of Certification / Accreditation ( BOC ), via specially designated articles within Current Pedorthics magazine .
To take advantage of the program , thoroughly read the adjacent CEU article and then visit : www . pedorthics . org and click on the Continuing Education Opportunities tab to purchase the 10-question quiz associated with this article . CEP quizzes cost $ 25 for members and $ 50 for non-members . The quizzes are worth 1.0 Scientific or Business CEU , depending on the content . Successful completion of the quiz will result in 1.0 CEP reported directly to ABC and BOC at the end of each quarter .
Look for additional CEU-eligible articles in future issues of the magazine ; previous articles are available in the magazine archive at www . pedorthics . org .
If you have any questions , contact PFA , at ( 229 ) 389-3440 or e-mail : ceu @ pedorthics . org .
Current Pedorthics | May / June 2018 49