Title : Comparative analysis of the impact of rolled inner seam strap design on pressure distribution at the toehold area of flip-flops: A prospective study in healthy volunteers
Abstract:
Background: Foot ulcers, especially dorsal foot ulcers caused by straps in footwear, can lead to discomfort, pain, and severe complications, particularly in individuals with diabetes and leprosy. While plantar foot pressure measurements have been extensively studied, research on the impact of strap-induced pressure on the dorsal foot aspect remains limited.
Research question: The main research question of this prospective study is: Does the implementation of a rolled inner seam strap design (RIS) in flip-flops result in reduced pressure at the toehold area compared to traditional strap designs (Control) in healthy volunteers?
Methods: We studied 5 healthy female volunteers, with 10 feet (5 left and 5 right) per arm of the study. Two types of flip-flops, RIS and Control, were compared in a standardized 5-step walk trial on a hardwood floor. Pressure at the toehold was measured using Pressure Sensitive Switches with portable, accurate, ultra-thin pressure sensors. Paired t-tests compared the maximum pressure at the toehold between RIS and Control flip-flops (p < 0.05).
Results: The study revealed a statistically significant difference in pressure at the toehold between the RIS and Control flip-flops (p = 0.0014). The mean difference of -40.90 grams (95% CI: -61.22 to -20.58) indicated that the RIS exerted significantly lower pressure than the Control flip flops. The RIS group had a mean pressure of 29.30 grams. The Control group had a mean pressure of 70.20 grams at the toehold area.
Conclusion: The findings of this study have significant clinical implications for individuals at risk of foot ulcers, particularly those with neuropathic conditions such as diabetes and leprosy. The implementation of the RIS design in flip-flops may offer a practical and cost-effective solution to reduce strap-induced pressure and mitigate the risk of strap-related foot ulcers, especially in resource-limited settings where comprehensive foot care is lacking.
Audience take-away:
- Discover the innovative RIS design for open-toe footwear, specifically flip-flops, which are the primary footwear in the developing world.
- Benefit individuals in resource-limited settings, where comprehensive foot care is often lacking, by reducing strap-induced pressure and minimizing the risk of foot ulcers caused by flip-flop straps.
- Prevent foot ulcers effectively, offering a practical and cost-effective solution to improve foot comfort and promote foot health in vulnerable populations.
- Provide a valuable addition to foot care strategies in developing nations, where flip-flops are popular due to simplicity, convenience, and breathability, but can pose risks of foot ulcers.
- Enhance foot health outcomes and well-being for those who heavily rely on flip-flops as their primary footwear, making the RIS design particularly impactful in the developing world.
