Flat Feet, Happy Feet? Comparison of the Dynamic Plantar Pressure Distribution and Static Medial Foot Geometry between Malawian and Dutch Adults.
Stolwijk NM, Duysens J, Louwerens JW, van de Ven YH, Keijsers NL. PLoS One. 2013;8(2)
I enjoyed reading this article. It was interesting that the Malawi subjects have increased loading area with more equal pressure distribution-don't most orthotics accomplish this?. The larger
period of midfoot loading and shorter period of forefoot loading suggests a more efficient propulsion strategy in the Malawi subjects.
However, they do not prove that this is attributable to more time spent barefoot walking and they do not prove that the Malawi walking strategy is superior.
Also, they state or imply that foot pain is less prevalent in Africa, but do not back this up in the population groups they are studying. "Flat fee, happy feet?" is a catchy title.
I just don't know how this changes what we do in clinic tomorrow, but hope more studies will shed light on this subject.