Influence of footwear and equipment on stride length and range of motion of ankle, knee and hip joint.

PURPOSE Footwear and equipment worn by military personnel is of importance for them to be able to meet the physical demands specific to their profession daily activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate by means of gait analysis how army-provided footwear and equipment influence the range of motion of hip, knee and ankle joints as well as stride length. METHODS Thirty-two soldiers were subjected to gait analysis on a treadmill by way of video recordings and goniometric measurements. RESULTS The stride length increased when military shoes are worn. We found no influence on stride length in connection to increased loading. The weight of the shoes represents the decisive factor. Neither shoes nor equipment changed the range of motion of the knee joint. Weight of equipment affected range of motion of the hip joint. The range of motion of the upper and lower ankle joints was mainly influenced by the properties of the shoes. CONCLUSIONS Military footwear and weight of equipment influence stride length and range of motion of joints of the lower extremities in a specific way. Shape of material is the decisive factor.