Effect of Trekking Shoes Midsole Hardness on Walking According to Backpack Wear

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of midsole hardness on gait mechanisms by wearing a backpack. Methods Ten healthy adult males(age:23.20±1.33yrs, heights: 1.72±0.03cm, weights: 67.60±5.95kg) participated in this study. Subjects walked at a speed of 1.5m/s in an 8m section wearing randomly selected midsole hardness (Soft, Medium, Hard) shoes and backpack (30% of body weight). For measurement of body movement, 10 infrared cameras (Vicon motion capture system, UK) and force plate (AMTI, ORG-6, US) were used. Results First, in the shock phenomenon change, the ground contact time was longer when wearing a backpack. Second, in the shock absorption strategy, the pack plantarflexion velocity at the ankle joint was faster in Hard than Soft, and the pack dorsiflexion moment decreased when wearing a backpack (p<.05). Also, the pack extension moment of the knee increased significantly when wearing a backpack. Fourth, in the mechanical negative work, the ankle joint performed less work than the medium soft, and the knee joint increased as the backpack was worn (p<.05). Conclusion As a result of this study, the difference in the hardness of the midsole used in this study does not seem to affect the biomechanical movement of gait even when wearing a backpack. In future studies, it is necessary to investigate the effect of the midsole through the presence or absence of shoes or inducing muscle fatigue.

Keywords

• midsole
• backpack
• shock phenomenon
• strategy for shock-absorbing
• mechanical negative work