The Kinesiological Effect of Japanese Geta Clogs on Gait: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to investigate the function of Japanese Geta clogs. We measured the foot pressure and the distance between the Geta and the heel. An F-scan and three-dimensional motion analyses were done. Toe pressure increased in the stance phase at toe-off, and we confirmed that heel-Geta contact is present at the beginning of swing phase. The distance between the Geta and the heel increased from heel-off to toe-off and decreased from toe-off to mid-swing. The results suggest that active toe movement occurs during Geta gait, and the use of Geta clogs may contribute to preventing foot disorders and falls. Geta may be useful for foot and toe strengthening.