The effects of Masai Barefoot Technology Footwear on  Posture: An experimental designed study.
School of Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Southampton.
P.R. New, J.M. Pearce Co author
2006
 
Publication:  Paul  New,  Julian  Pearce:  The  effects  of  Masai  Barefoot  Technology
footwear  on  posture:  an  experimental  designed  study.  Physiotherapy  Research
International, Volume 12, Issue 4, Pages 202-202.
 
 MBT Model: sole 2004
 
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVES:  To  assess  the  anatomical  changes  in  posture  that  occur  as  a  result  of wearing Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) footwear in quiet standing and walking.
 
METHOD METHOD METHOD METHOD: A video motion analysis using the Peak Motus Version 8.5 system was used to compare the kinematics of posture wearing MBT shoes and a control condition.
 
RESULTS RESULTS RESULTS RESULTS:  Standing  in  MBT  footwear  showed  a  statistically  significant  increase  in plantarflexion at  the ankle  joint  (P = 0.025)  [Mean 3.02 degrees, 95% Confidence
Interval  (CI)  -5.6  to  -0.4].  At  heel  strike,  walking  in  MBT’s  showed  a  significant decrease in;
•  Trunk flexion (P = 0.007) [Mean 1.44 degrees, 95% CI -2.4 to -0.4] 
•  Hip flexion (P = 0.003) [Mean 3.26 degrees, 95% CI -5.2 to -1.3] 
•  Anterior pelvic tilt (P = 0.003) [Mean 3.20 degrees, 95% CI -5.06 to -1.35] 
 
CONCLUSION CONCLUSION CONCLUSION CONCLUSION:  MBT  footwear  changes  certain  characteristics  of  posture  in  quiet
standing  and  walking.  These  findings  could  have  positive  implications  for  the management  of  conditions  such  as  osteoarthritis  and  back  pain,  however  further
research is needed.