Barefoot walking changed relative timing during the support phase but not ground reaction forces in children when compared to different footwear conditions

There is a paucity of available biomechanical kinetic data comparing shod and barefoot conditions in children. Do children wearing footwear have comparable gait velocity, ground reaction forces (GRF), spatiotemporal parameters, propulsive braking impulses when compared to walking barefoot? Seventy-five were divided into four groups: Group 1 females aged 4–9 years old (n = 29). 2 3–5 16). 3 males 6–9 13). 4 4–8 17). Children walked at self-selected pace over walkway force platforms. Each represented separate condition. The order was randomized. A repeated-measures ANOVA performed investigate the effects type on parameters each group. Multiple comparisons with Bonferroni corrections conducted appropriate. no statistical differences velocity or vertical anteroposterior GRF across for all groups. significant effect worn time loading response peak (p 0.008), midstance 0.006), < 0.001). For 3, there 0.001) Regarding 1, impulse 0.016) terminal stance pre-swing 4, 0.028). influence evaluated children’s GRF.