Effects of stepping exercise with single-tooth sandals on medial longitudinal arch and sole surface temperature

Abstract

Single-tooth sandals under new development have special material and shape characteristics. Exercises with single-tooth sandals can increase pressing stimulus on the soles of the feet, thereby suppressing a decline in medial longitudinal arch and elevating sole surface temperature. This study thus aimed to examine the effects of exercise with single-tooth sandals on medial longitudinal arch and sole surface temperature. Sixteen young adults (23 ± 5 years) participated in 20 min of stepping exercise on the spot. They randomly put on a regular normal sandal (N conditions) or a single-tooth sandal (Z conditions) on each left and right side. Before and after exercise, medial longitudinal arch and sole surface temperature were assessed by digital caliper and straightedge and thermography, respectively. No significant differences in baseline parameters were observed between N and Z conditions. After exercise, arch height and arch height ratio significantly reduced in N conditions, but not in Z conditions. Central sole surface temperature in Z conditions also increased significantly, and the changes in surface temperature were significantly higher in Z conditions than in N conditions. Therefore, these findings suggest that exercise with single-tooth sandals has a positive effect on a suppressing decline in medial longitudinal arch and an elevation in sole surface temperature.