Gait Parameters Alteration in response to Different Flip-flops

Flip-flops are common and popular among Malaysian, considering our hot and humid weather. However, thong-type flip-flops had often been blame as not provide support to lower extremities and thus may cause injury. Therefore the objective of this study is to assess the effect of non-contoured flip-flops during normal walking. Barefoot and flip-flops walking had been tested on 31 volunteers. Kinetic parameters were measured with embedded force plate treadmill, while kinematic parameters were measure using camera recording. Findings show that all different design of thong-type non-contoured flip-flops does not give significant impact on vertical ground reaction force. Walking with flip-flops will significantly increase the step length and stride length, and this decrease the cadence while comparing with barefoot walking. Flip-flops with wider base may help in prevent ankle sprain by significantly reduce the ankle angle during heel strike. The study suggested that flip-flops may not help in reducing the impact of VGRF on lower limb, but may help in reducing the ankle angle and hence prevent the chance of ankle sprain.