The effects of walking, running, and shoe size on foot volumetrics

Abstract

Objectives. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of walking and running on foot volumetrics, and its relationship between measured foot size and preferred shoe size.

Design. This study was a single-group, repeated measures design. Twenty-eight physical therapy students participated in the testing.

Methods. Following 10 min of supine rest, a pre-exercise volumetric measurement of the right leg was obtained. Shoe size and foot length measurements were taken. Subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment condition (walking or running). The treadmill speed was set at a comfortable pace for each participant during exercise. Foot volume measurements were taken after the exercise. Subjects returned the next week to participate in the second condition.

Results. Paired t-tests were used to compare differences in outcome variables. Significant increases in fluid volumes were noted within groups after walking (2%) and running (3%) and between groups in the post-walk and post-run values (1.7%). A weak positive correlation was noted between changes in volume during running and the measured difference between foot size and shoe size (r=0.39; p=0.038).

Conclusions. Treadmill running for 10 min may lead to significantly greater foot volume compared to treadmill walking for the same period. Results also demonstrate that the greater the measured difference between shoe size and foot size, the greater the foot volume after running.

Introduction

Health care practitioners commonly prescribe and or recommend aerobic type activities for those patients seeking to improve their cardiovascular fitness. These aerobic activities often include walking or running programs. It has been demonstrated, however, that weight bearing activities such as walking or running can lead to foot and ankle swelling (Stick et al., 1992, Chalk et al., 1995, Cloughley and Mawdsley, 1995). A common complication resulting from weight bearing activities and which can lead to more serious foot problems is oedema (Evanski, 1982, Shereff, 1987, Stick et al., 1992, Gordon and Cuttic, 1994, Cloughley and Mawdsley, 1995).

Evidence exists demonstrating increases in interstitial and intracellular volume during and after exercise, especially as it relates to workload (Jacobbsson and Kjellmer, 1964, Lundvall et al., 1972, Baker and David, 1974, Schnizer et al., 1979, Stegall, 1966, McGough and Zurwasky, 1991, Stick et al., 1985; McGough & Zurwasky 1991). In particular, running and jogging have been shown to increase foot and ankle volume (Stick et al., 1992, Chalk et al., 1995, Cloughley and Mawdsley, 1995, Emby, 1997, Lazzarini et al., 1997). In the young or recreational athlete, the small changes which occur as a result of running would not be a problem. However, in the older adult or geriatric patient, these small increases in foot volume when added to the prior conditions of chronic resting oedema, fibrosis, joint stiffness, contractures, pain and dysfunction could prove to be harmful (Sorenson, 1989, Guyton and Hall, 2000).

Previous researchers have examined the relationship between changes in foot and ankle volume during daily activities and exercise (Chalk et al., 1995, Cloughley and Mawdsley, 1995, Moholkar and Fenelon, 2001). In their study involving nine volleyball players, Chalk et al. (1995) reported no changes in foot volume before and after workouts. Cloughley and Mawdsley (1995) examined 21 subjects during walking and running. They reported a change in foot and ankle volume with running as compared to walking using the Lucite foot volumeter measuring device. Foot and ankle volumes increased by an average of 17.9 ml during walking, while increasing 31.2 ml after running (p=0.02). However, they did not address if changes in volume occurred within the walking or running groups or how this related to shoe size.

Few studies have investigated the effects of running and walking on foot volumetrics (Stick et al., 1992, Cloughley and Mawdsley, 1995). In addition, only the paper by Chalk et al. (1995) has reported the relationship between shoe size and changes in foot volume before and after exercise.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between running and walking foot volumetrics, and its relationship between measured foot size and preferred shoe size. This research will serve as a pilot study for future research to investigate the relationship of exercise and oedema in the older athletic population and how exercise intensity and weight bearing status might influence these changes.