In recent years, minimalist footwear has been increasingly promoted for its use in sportive and recreational activities. These shoes are considered to function naturally like barefoot walking while providing a protective surface. Despite a growing popularity of these shoes in the older population, little is known about the influence of minimalist footwear on gait patterns. This study investigated whether overground walking with minimalist shoes is comparable to barefoot walking regarding gait stability and variability parameters. In a randomized within-subject study design, 31 healthy younger (29 ± 4 years) and 33 healthy community-dwelling older adults (71 ± 4 years) volunteered. Participants walked on flat ground, once barefoot and once with minimalist shoes. Gait variability of minimum toe clearance (MTC), stride length, stride time, and local dynamic gait stability were analysed. The results for both age groups showed significant condition effects (minimalist shoes vs. barefoot walking) for the outcomes of local dynamic stability (p = .013), MTC variability (p = .018), and stride length variability (p < .001) indicating increased local dynamic stability and decreased gait variability during the minimalist shoe condition. Group effects (young vs. older adults) were detected in all gait outcomes. Walking with minimalist shoes appeared to be associated with better gait performance than walking barefoot in both age groups. Thus, walking with minimalist shoes is not similar to barefoot walking. With respect to reducing the risk of falling, we suggest that minimalist shoes could be an alternative to barefoot walking or a transition option between shoes to barefoot for older adults.

中文翻译：

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赤脚走路与极简主义的鞋履–对年轻人和老年人步态的影响

近年来，极简主义的鞋类已经越来越多地推广用于运动和休闲活动中。这些鞋子被认为具有自然的功能，就像赤脚走路，同时提供保护性表面。尽管这些鞋在老年人口中越来越流行，但对极简鞋对步态的影响知之甚少。这项研究调查了在步态稳定性和可变性参数方面，用极简主义的鞋子进行地面步行是否可与赤脚步行媲美。在一项随机的受试者内部研究设计中，共有31名健康的年轻人（29±4岁）和33名健康的社区居民（71±4岁）自愿参加。参与者在平坦的地面上行走，曾经赤脚行走，一次穿着极简主义的鞋子。最小脚趾间隙（MTC），步幅长度，步幅时间，并分析了局部动态步态的稳定性。两个年龄组的结果均显示出对局部动态稳定性（p = .013），MTC变异性（p = .018）和步幅变异性（p <.001）的结局具有显着的条件影响（极简主义鞋与赤脚行走）。 ）表示在极简的鞋履状态下增加了局部动态稳定性并降低了步态变异性。在所有步态结局中均检测到群体效应（年轻人与老年人）。与两个年龄段的赤脚走路相比，用极简主义的鞋子走路似乎具有更好的步态表现。因此，穿着极简主义的鞋子走路与赤脚走路并不相似。关于降低跌倒的风险，