OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the coefficient of friction (COF), walking speed (WS), and cadence while walking on slippery and dry surfaces using shoes with different sole groove depths to predict how much it is likely to fall.
BACKGROUND: Design of shoe sole groove is crucial to prevent slipping during walking.
METHODS: 22 healthy young men (mean age: 24.5 and body mass index: 22.5) volunteered for this semi-experimental study. Six different conditions of the test (combination of three shoes and two surfaces) were defined and the condition was repeated 3 times. Totally 396 trials (22 subjects × 3 groove depths × 2 surfaces × 3 times) were obtained for data analysis. COF was recorded by force platform at 1000 Hz and walking parameters were recorded using 3D motion analysis system with six infrared cameras at 200 Hz.
RESULTS: The highest value of COF was obtained from deepest groove depth (5.0 mm) on both dry and slippery surfaces. The coefficient of friction on slippery surfaces was significantly lower in comparison with dry surfaces. Walking speed and cadence were not significantly different on dry and slippery surfaces.
CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the deeper groove is better to prevent slipping because the COF increases by increasing the shoe sole groove depth. Walking speed did not change on dry and slippery surfaces.
Language: en
Keywords
cadence; coefficient of friction; shoes; shoes sole groove depth; walking speed