References

Foot health and quality of life among adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study - Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research - Almaawi A, Alqarni H, Thallaj AK, et al. 2023;18(1). This study highlights the direct link between optimal foot health and overall quality of life for adults, emphasizing its importance beyond just physical well-being.

Minimal footwear improves stability and physical function in middle-aged and older people compared to conventional shoes - Cudejko, T., Gardiner, J., Akpan, A., & D'Août, K. (2020). Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 71, 139–145. This research demonstrates a significant benefit of minimal footwear in enhancing stability and physical function, particularly for middle-aged and older people, suggesting improvements in balance and reducing fall risk.

Barefoot Training Improved Ankle Stability and Agility in Netball Players - de Villiers, J. E., & Venter, R. E. (2014). International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 9(3), 485–496. This study shows the specific advantages of barefoot training for athletes, leading to better ankle stability and agility, which translates to improved athletic performance and reduced injury potential.

Modifications in lower leg muscle activation when walking barefoot or in minimalist shoes across different age-groups - Franklin, S., Li, F. X., & Grey, M. J. (2018) Gait & posture, 60, 1–5. This paper delves into how walking in minimal footwear or barefoot alters lower leg muscle activation, indicating a more natural and potentially strengthening engagement of muscles compared to conventional shoes.

Quality of Life Impact Related to Foot Health in a Sample of Older People with Hallux Valgus - López DL, González LC, Iglesias MEL, et al. Aging & Disease. 2016;7(1):1-8. This research underscores how specific foot conditions, like Hallux Valgus, negatively impact the quality of life in older people, highlighting the need for effective foot health interventions.

Evaluation of foot health related quality of life in individuals with foot problems by gender: a cross-sectional comparative analysis studyBMJ - López-López D, Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo R, Losa-Iglesias ME, et al Open 2018;8:e023980. This study examines the gender-specific impact of foot problems on foot health-related quality of life, offering insights into tailored care approaches.

Impact of Chronic Foot Pain Related Quality of Life: A Retrospective Case-Control Study - Lopez-Lopez L, Navarro-Flores E, Losa-Iglesias ME, et al. 2022;25(6):E851-E856. This study further emphasizes the pervasive negative effect of chronic foot pain on an individual's quality of life, making the case for proactive foot health management.

The relationship between common foot problems with falls and quality of life in older people - International Journal of Older People Nursing - Jalali M, Mojgani P, Saeedi H, Azadinia F, Niksolat M, Ghorbani F. 2021;16(6):1-8. This article highlights a critical concern for older people: the strong link between common foot problems, increased risk of falls, and a diminished quality of life. Maintaining good foot health is crucial for preventing injuries and preserving independence in later years.

The relationship between common foot problems with falls and quality of life in older people - International Journal of Older People Nursing - Jalali M, Mojgani P, Saeedi H, Azadinia F, Niksolat M, Ghorbani F. 2021;16(6):1-8. (Duplicate entry, but reinforces the importance of foot health for older people's well-being and fall prevention).

Impact of plantar fasciitis on the quality of life of male and female patients according to the Foot Health Status Questionnaire - Journal of Pain Research. Palomo-Lopez P, Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo R. 2018;11:875. This study specifically addresses the debilitating effect of plantar fasciitis on quality of life, further emphasizing the need for effective treatment and preventative foot health strategies.

Footwear Alters Lower Extremity Coordination Variability - Perceptual and motor skills - Romer, B. H., Weimar, W., & Fox, J. (2019). 126(5), 764–778. This research reveals how different footwear choices can impact the coordination variability of the lower limb, suggesting that traditional shoes may hinder natural movement patterns.

The effects of squatting footwear on three-dimensional lower limb and spine kinetics - Journal of electromyography and kinesiology - official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology - Southwell, D. J., Petersen, S. A., Beach, T. A., & Graham, R. B. (2016). 31, 111–118. This study examines the specific biomechanical effects of squatting footwear on the lower limb and spine, demonstrating how shoe design can influence movement and potentially impact injury risk or performance.

Treatment of Forefoot Problems in Older People: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Podiatric Treatment With Standardized Shoe Advice - Annals of Family Medicine - van der Zwaard BC, van der Horst HE, Knol DL, Vanwanseele B, Elders PJM. 2014;12(5):432-440. This clinical trial provides valuable insights into effective interventions for forefoot problems in older people, comparing podiatric treatment with shoe advice to improve foot health outcomes.

What are the differences in injury proportions between different populations of runners? A systematic review and meta-analysis - Sport Med - Kluitenberg B, van Middelkoop M, Diercks R, van der Worp H. 2015;45:1143–1161. This systematic review and meta-analysis offer a comprehensive overview of injury patterns in various running populations, which is crucial for understanding risk factors and developing injury prevention strategies related to foot health and running mechanics.

Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners - Lieberman DE, Venkadesan M, Werbel WA, Daoud AI, D’Andrea S, Davis IS, et al. 2010;463:531–535. This landmark study compares foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners, providing foundational understanding of how footwear affects impact absorption and lower limb biomechanics.

Transitioning to Barefoot Running Using a Minimalist Shoe Intermediary: A Prospective Cohort Study - Medicine and science in sports and exercise - Mills, K., Collins, N. J., & Vicenzino, B. (2022). 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003111. Advance online publication. This prospective cohort study offers practical guidance for individuals interested in adopting barefoot running, suggesting a gradual transition using minimalist shoes to minimize injury risk and improve foot health.

Effects of a seven-week minimalist footwear transition programme on footstrike modality, pressure variables and loading rates - Footwear Science - Moore, I., Pitt, W., Nunns, M., & Dixon, S. (2014). 1-13 DOI This study examines the specific biomechanical adaptations during a minimalist footwear transition, providing insights into changes in foot strike, pressure, and loading rates, all vital for optimizing foot health and preventing injuries.

A comparison in the muscle activity of the abductor hallucis and the medial longitudinal arch angle during toe curl and short foot exercises - Physical therapy in sport - official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine - Jung, D. Y., Kim, M. H., Koh, E. K., Kwon, O. Y., Cynn, H. S., & Lee, W. H. (2011). 12(1), 30–35. This research compares muscle activity during specific foot exercises, which is valuable for understanding how to strengthen intrinsic foot muscles and support the medial longitudinal arch, contributing to better foot health.

Injuries observed in minimalist runners. Foot & ankle international - Salzler, M. J., Bluman, E. M., Noonan, S., Chiodo, C. P., & de Asla, R. J. (2012). 33(4), 262–266. This study provides important information on injury patterns associated with minimalist running, which is crucial for developing safe transition protocols and educating users on potential risks.

Transitioning to Minimal Footwear: a Systematic Review of Methods and Future Clinical Recommendations - Sports Med Open - Warne JP, Gruber AH. 2017;3(1):33. Published 2017 Sep 15. This systematic review offers comprehensive recommendations for a safe and effective transition to minimal footwear, summarizing best practices and highlighting future research directions for optimizing foot health.

A 4-week instructed minimalist running transition and gait-retraining changes plantar pressure and force - Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports - Warne, J. P., Kilduff, S. M., Gregan, B. C., Nevill, A. M., Moran, K. A., & Warrington, G. D. (2014). 24(6), 964–973. This study demonstrates how a structured minimalist running transition can positively alter plantar pressure and force distribution, contributing to improved foot mechanics and potentially reducing injury risk.

Chronic ankle instability: Current perspectives - Al-Mohrej OA, Al-Kenani NS. Avicenna J Med. 2016;6(4):103-108. This review provides a contemporary understanding of chronic ankle instability, a significant lower limb issue that can severely impact foot health and mobility.

Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, medial longitudinal arch of the ... National Library of Medicine - Babu, D., & Bordoni, B. (2022, November 11). Retrieved February 19, 2023, from This resource offers foundational anatomical knowledge of the medial longitudinal arch, which is crucial for understanding foot mechanics and the impact of footwear on lower limb function.

Foot posture is associated with plantar pressure during gait: A comparison of normal, planus and cavus feet - Gait & Posture - Buldt AK, Forghany S, Landorf KB, Levinger P, Murley GS, Menz HB. 2018;62:235-240. This study highlights the direct correlation between foot posture and plantar pressure distribution during gait, providing valuable insights into how different foot types (normal, planus, cavus) influence foot health and potentially risk of injury.

Foot health facts - Foot & Ankle Conditions » Cavus Foot (High-Arched Foot) This resource provides important factual information on cavus foot, a condition that can significantly impact foot health and requires specific consideration in footwear choices.

An Updated Model of Chronic Ankle Instability - Jay Hertel 1 2, Revay O Corbett 1 - PMID: 31162943 PMCID: PMC6602403 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-344-18 This updated model offers a deeper understanding of chronic ankle instability, which is a key factor in overall lower limb health and injury prevention.

Foot Characteristics in Association With Inversion Ankle Injury - Journal of Athletic Training (National Athletic Trainers’ Association) - Morrison KE, Kaminski TW. 2007;42(1):135-142. Accessed March 19, 2023. This research explores specific foot characteristics that are linked to inversion ankle injuries, providing crucial information for injury prevention strategies and maintaining robust foot health.

Is Pes Cavus Alignment Associated With Lisfranc Injuries of the Foot? - Clinical orthopaedics and related research - Podolnick JD, Donovan DS, DeBellis N, Pino A. 2017;475(5):1463-1469. This study investigates a potential link between pes cavus (high-arched foot) alignment and Lisfranc injuries, providing important insights for clinicians and those managing foot health.

Pes Cavus - By Prodyut Das This resource offers a clear explanation of pes cavus, further detailing a condition that significantly impacts foot health and biomechanics.

Does Foot Posture Influence Plantar Pressure? - South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education & Recreation - SIMSEK D, YILDIZER G, GUNGOR EO, ORS BS, HARPUT G. 2021;43(2):111-122. Accessed March 18, 2023. This research explores the direct relationship between foot posture and the distribution of plantar pressure, a fundamental aspect of foot health and how forces are managed during movement.

The association between high-arched feet, plantar pressure distribution and body posture in young women - Sci Rep - Woźniacka R, Oleksy Ł, Jankowicz-Szymańska A, Mika A, Kielnar R, Stolarczyk A. 2019;9(1):17187. Published 2019 Nov 20. This study illustrates how high-arched feet not only influence plantar pressure but also correlate with overall body posture, underscoring the interconnectedness of foot health and musculoskeletal alignment.

Association of arch height with ankle muscle strength and physical performance in adult men - Biol Sport. Zhao X, Tsujimoto T, Kim B, Tanaka K. 2017;34(2):119-126. This research demonstrates a clear link between arch height, ankle muscle strength, and physical performance, highlighting the importance of a well-supported foot arch for overall lower limb function.

The Relationship Between Arch Height and Arch Flexibility A Proposed Arch Flexibility Classification System for the Description of Multidimensional Foot Structure - Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association - Zifchock RA, Theriot C, Hillstrom HJ, Song J, Neary M. 2017;107(2):119-123. This paper introduces a classification system for arch flexibility, which is vital for a nuanced understanding of individual foot mechanics and tailoring foot health interventions.

Pes Planus - Physiopedia (2023) - Retrieved March 5, 2023 This Physiopedia resource provides a comprehensive overview of Pes Planus (flat feet), a common condition impacting foot health and potentially requiring specific footwear or interventions.

In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. - Raj MA, Tafti D, Kiel J. Pes Planus. [Updated 2022 Sep 7]. This StatPearls entry provides in-depth medical information on Pes Planus, further elaborating on the condition and its implications for foot health.

Adult rigid flatfoot: Triple arthrodesis and osteotomy - Medicine, 99(7), e18826 - Yang, Z., Liu, F., Cui, L., Liu, H., Zuo, J., Liu, L., & Li, S. (2020). This paper focuses on advanced surgical treatments for rigid flatfoot in adults, providing clinical depth on severe foot health issues.

Flat Foot in a Random Population and its Impact on Quality of Life and Functionality - Journal of clinical and diagnostic research - JCDR, 11(4), LC22–LC27 - Pita-Fernandez, S., Gonzalez-Martin, C., Alonso-Tajes, F., Seoane-Pillado, T., Pertega-Diaz, S., Perez-Garcia, S., Seijo-Bestilleiro, R., & Balboa-Barreiro, V. (2017). This study examines the prevalence of flat feet and its significant impact on both quality of life and functionality, highlighting the broad relevance of foot health to daily activities.

Prevalence of anterior knee pain and pes planus in Israel defense force recruits - Military medicine, 175(11), 855–857 - Lakstein, D., Fridman, T., Ziv, Y. B., & Kosashvili, Y. (2010). This research reveals a connection between pes planus (flat feet) and anterior knee pain in a specific population, demonstrating how foot mechanics can affect the entire lower limb and contribute to pain in other areas.

Arches of the foot - Physiopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2023 This foundational resource describes the arches of the foot, which are critical structures for supporting weight, absorbing shock, and maintaining proper lower limb biomechanics.

The transverse arch in the human feet: A narrative review of its evolution, anatomy, biomechanics and clinical implications - Morphologie. 2022;106(355):225-234. - Asghar A, Naaz S. This review provides in-depth understanding of the transverse arch, another key component of foot anatomy, and its biomechanical importance for overall foot health and function.

Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, medial longitudinal arch of the ...- National Library of Medicine - Retrieved February 19, 2023 - Babu, D., & Bordoni, B. (2022, November 11). (Duplicate entry, but reinforces the importance of anatomical understanding for lower limb and foot health).

Arches of the foot - Kenhub - Retrieved February 19, 2023 - O'Leary BSc MBChB, C. (2022, June 30). (Duplicate entry, but reinforces the importance of anatomical understanding for lower limb and foot health).

Forefoot Adduction, Hindfoot Varus or Pes Cavus: Risk Factors for Fifth Metatarsal Fractures and Jones Fractures? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. 2022;61(3):641-647 - Riegger M, Müller J, Giampietro A, et al. This systematic review identifies specific foot alignments like forefoot adduction, hindfoot varus, and pes cavus as potential risk factors for certain foot fractures, providing crucial information for preventative foot health measures.

Comparison of blood flow changes with soft tissue mobilization and massage therapy - Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 20(12), 932–936 - Portillo-Soto, A., Eberman, L. E., Demchak, T. J., & Peebles, C. (2014). This research suggests that soft tissue mobilization and massage therapy can improve blood flow, which has positive implications for overall foot health and recovery from injuries.

Massage therapy research review - Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 20(4), 224–229. - Field T. (2014) This review summarizes the benefits of massage therapy, which can extend to improving circulation and reducing tension in the lower limb, contributing to better foot health and comfort.

Foot ligaments: Anatomy and function - Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved February 5, 2023 This resource details the anatomy and function of foot ligaments, which are crucial for stability and proper lower limb mechanics.

Massage therapy reduces anxiety and enhances EEG pattern of alertness and math computations - The International journal of neuroscience, 86(3-4), 197–205. - Field, T., Ironson, G., Scafidi, F., Nawrocki, T., Goncalves, A., Burman, I., Pickens, J., Fox, N., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (1996). While not directly about foot health, this study shows the broader physiological and psychological benefits of massage therapy, suggesting potential for stress reduction that indirectly benefits overall well-being, including foot discomfort.

Why Shoes Make “Normal” Gait Impossible How flaws in footwear affect this complex human function - Podiatry Management - Rossi, D.P.M, W. A. (1999). This paper critiques traditional footwear, arguing that design flaws can hinder natural gait and negatively impact foot health, providing a strong case for considering minimal footwear.

Effects of heel lifts on lower limb biomechanics and muscle function: A systematic review - Gait & posture, 69, 224–234 - Rabusin, C. L., Menz, H. B., McClelland, J. A., Tan, J. M., Whittaker, G. A., Evans, A. M., & Munteanu, S. E. (2019). This systematic review examines how heel lifts influence lower limb biomechanics and muscle function, providing valuable insights into how shoe modifications can affect posture and movement, impacting foot health.

Barefoot vs common footwear: A systematic review of the kinematic, kinetic and muscle activity differences during walking - Gait & posture, 42(3), 230–239 - Franklin, S., Grey, M. J., Heneghan, N., Bowen, L., & Li, F. X. (2015). This systematic review provides a comprehensive comparison of barefoot walking versus walking in common footwear, highlighting key differences in kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity relevant to foot health.

Effects of heel height and high-heel experience on foot stability during quiet standing - Gait & posture, 68, 252–257. - Wan, F. K. W., Yick, K. L., & Yu, W. W. M. (2019). This study examines how heel height and experience with high heels impact foot stability, offering crucial insights into the biomechanical challenges posed by certain footwear for foot health.

The influence of heel height on frontal plane ankle biomechanics: implications for lateral ankle sprains - Foot & ankle international, 33(1), 64–69. - Foster, A., Blanchette, M. G., Chou, Y. C., & Powers, C. M. (2012). This research highlights how heel height can influence ankle biomechanics and increase the risk of lateral ankle sprains, further emphasizing the importance of footwear choice for foot health and injury prevention.

Effects of high heeled shoes wearing experience and heel height on human standing balance and functional mobility - Ergonomics, 59(2), 249–264. - Hapsari, V. D., & Xiong, S. (2016). This study demonstrates how high-heeled shoes can negatively affect standing balance and functional mobility, impacting overall lower limb stability and safety for wearers, particularly older people.

The effect of heel-to-toe drop of running shoes on patellofemoral joint stress during running - Gait & posture, 93, 230–234. - Zhang, M., Zhou, X., Zhang, L., Liu, H., & Yu, B. (2022). This research investigates how the heel-to-toe drop in running shoes impacts stress on the patellofemoral joint, which is crucial for understanding knee health and preventing injuries in the lower limb.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome - American Family Physician - Retrieved January 15, 2023 - Gaitonde, D. Y., Ericksen, A., & Robbins, R. C. (2019, January 15). This resource provides a thorough explanation of patellofemoral pain syndrome, a common lower limb condition that can be influenced by foot mechanics and footwear.

Influence of foot positions on the spine and pelvis - Arthritis care & research, 63(12), 1758–1765. - Betsch, M., Schneppendahl, J., Dor, L., Jungbluth, P., Grassmann, J. P., Windolf, J., Thelen, S., Hakimi, M., Rapp, W., & Wild, M. (2011). This study highlights the profound connection between foot positions and the alignment of the spine and pelvis, underscoring how foot health influences entire body posture and musculoskeletal well-being.

The effects of pelvic movement on lumbar lordosis in the standing position - The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 24(3), 130–135 - Levine, D., & Whittle, M. W. (1996). This research demonstrates how pelvic movement affects lumbar lordosis, further illustrating the intricate connection between the lower limb and spinal alignment, which is crucial for overall postural health.

Effects of the height of shoe heels on muscle activation of cervical and lumbar spine in healthy women - J Phys Ther Sci. 2016 Mar;28(3):956-9. - Park K, Kim Y, Chung Y, Hwang S. This study reveals how different heel heights can influence muscle activation in the cervical and lumbar spine, emphasizing that footwear choice has widespread impacts beyond just the foot and lower limb.

Pelvic incidence: a fundamental pelvic parameter for three-dimensional regulation of spinal sagittal curves - European spine journal - official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 7(2), 99–103. - Legaye, J., Duval-Beaupère, G., Hecquet, J., & Marty, C. (1998). This paper introduces pelvic incidence as a critical parameter for spinal alignment, demonstrating the foundational role of the pelvis, which in turn is influenced by lower limb and foot mechanics.

Changes of bioelectrical activity in cervical paraspinal muscle during gait in low and high heel shoes - Acta of bioengineering and biomechanics, 13(1), 27–33. - Mika, A., Oleksy, Ł., Mikołajczyk, E., Marchewka, A., & Mika, P. (2011). This study reveals how footwear, specifically heel height, can influence muscle activity even in the cervical spine during gait, underscoring the systemic impact of foot health and shoe choice on the entire body.

Influences of heel height on human postural stability and functional mobility between inexperienced and experienced high heel shoe wearers - PeerJ. 2020;8:e10239. Published 2020 Oct 28. - Chen Y, Li JX, Wang L. doi:10.7717/peerj.10239 This research demonstrates how heel height impacts postural stability and functional mobility, with notable differences between experienced and inexperienced high-heel wearers, highlighting the adaptability of the lower limb but also the potential for compromise of foot health.

The effect of support surface and footwear condition on postural sway and lower limb muscle action of the older women - PLoS ONE, 15(6), 1–11 - Huang, M., Yick, K., Ng, S., Yip, J., & Cheung, R. T. (2020). This study investigates how both the support surface and footwear, including minimal footwear, affect postural sway and lower limb muscle activity in older women, providing insights into fall prevention and maintaining stability for older people.

Running in highly cushioned shoes increases leg stiffness and amplifies impact loading - Scientific reports, 8(1), 17496 - Kulmala, J. P., Kosonen, J., Nurminen, J., & Avela, J. (2018). This research suggests that highly cushioned shoes may not always be beneficial, as they can lead to increased leg stiffness and amplified impact loading, which has implications for long-term lower limb health.

Do running speed and shoe cushioning influence impact loading and tibial shock in basketball players? - PeerJ, 6, e4753 - Lam, W. K., Liebenberg, J., Woo, J., Park, S. K., Yoon, S. H., Cheung, R. T., & Ryu, J. (2018). This study investigates how running speed and shoe cushioning affect impact loading and tibial shock, providing valuable data for athletes and coaches on optimizing footwear choices for lower limb protection.

Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners - Nature, 463(7280), 531–535 - Lieberman, D. E., Venkadesan, M., Werbel, W. A., Daoud, A. I., D'Andrea, S., Davis, I. S., Mang'eni, R. O., & Pitsiladis, Y. (2010). (Duplicate entry, but reinforces the foundational understanding of how barefoot and shod running impact lower limb mechanics and foot health).

Back, lower limb, and upper limb pain among U.S. adults - 2019. NCHS Data Brief, no 415. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2021 Lucas JW, Connor EM, Bose J. This data brief highlights the widespread prevalence of lower limb pain among U.S. adults, emphasizing the significant public health challenge that foot health and related musculoskeletal issues represent.

Lower impact forces but greater burden for the musculoskeletal system in running shoes with greater cushioning stiffness - European journal of sport science, 1–11. Advance online publication - Malisoux, L., Gette, P., Backes, A., Delattre, N., & Theisen, D. (2022). This research suggests a paradox where highly cushioned shoes might reduce immediate impact but place a greater overall burden on the musculoskeletal system, which is crucial for understanding the long-term effects on lower limb health and injury prevention.

Analysis of hip joint loading during walking with different shoe types using instrumented total hip prostheses - Scientific reports - Palmowski, Y., Popović, S., Kosack, D., & Damm, P. (2021). 11(1), 10073. This study provides detailed insights into how different shoe types influence hip joint loading during walking, demonstrating the far-reaching effects of footwear on the entire lower limb kinetic chain.

Balance and vertical impact in sports: role of shoe sole materials - Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation - Robbins, S., & Waked, E. (1997). 78(5), 463–467. This research emphasizes the critical role of shoe sole materials in influencing balance and vertical impact in sports, directly impacting lower limb mechanics and injury risk.

Influence of footwear on postural sway: A systematic review and meta-analysis on barefoot and shod bipedal static posturography in patients and healthy subjects - Gait & Posture - Stefan Reutimann, MaryJane Hill-Strathy, Carmen Krewer, Jeannine Bergmann, Friedemann Müller, Klaus Jahn, Katrin Rauen (2022). Volume 92, Pages 302-314, ISSN 0966-6362 This systematic review and meta-analysis highlight the significant influence of footwear (including barefoot and shod conditions) on postural sway, a key factor in balance and fall prevention, particularly for older people.

Effects of a foot strengthening program on foot muscle morphology and running mechanics: A proof-of-concept, single-blind randomized controlled trial - Physical therapy in sport - official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine - Taddei, U. T., Matias, A. B., Ribeiro, F. I. A., Bus, S. A., & Sacco, I. C. N. (2020). 42, 107–115. This trial provides evidence that foot strengthening programs can positively impact foot muscle morphology and running mechanics, contributing significantly to improved foot health and performance in the lower limb.

Recruitment of the plantar intrinsic foot muscles with increasing postural demand - Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) - Kelly, L. A., Kuitunen, S., Racinais, S., & Cresswell, A. G. (2012). 27(1), 46–51. This study shows how the plantar intrinsic foot muscles are activated in response to increasing postural demands, demonstrating their crucial role in maintaining stability and overall foot health.

Daily activity in minimal footwear increases foot strength - Curtis, R., Willems, C., Paoletti, P. et al. Sci Rep 11, 18648 (2021). This significant finding indicates that simply engaging in daily activities while wearing minimal footwear can lead to increased foot strength, providing a simple yet effective way to improve foot health and lower limb function.

Athletic training with minimal footwear strengthens toe flexor muscles - Footwear Science, 5:1, 19-25 - Jan-Peter Goldmann, Wolfgang Potthast & Gert-Peter Brüggemann (2013) This research demonstrates a clear benefit of athletic training in minimal footwear: it strengthens toe flexor muscles, which are vital for powerful propulsion and overall foot health.

Walking in Minimalist Shoes Is Effective for Strengthening Foot Muscles. Medicine and science in sports and exercise - Ridge, S. T., Olsen, M. T., Bruening, D. A., Jurgensmeier, K., Griffin, D., Davis, I. S., & Johnson, A. W. (2019). 51(1), 104–113. This study provides strong evidence that simply walking in minimalist shoes can effectively strengthen foot muscles, a fundamental benefit for improving foot health and stability for both athletes and older people.

Footwear Alters Lower Extremity Coordination Variability - Perceptual and motor skills - Romer, B. H., Weimar, W., & Fox, J. (2019). 126(5), 764–778. (Duplicate entry, but reinforces the idea that footwear has a significant impact on how the lower limb moves and coordinates).

Force-generating capacity of the toe flexor muscles and dynamic function of the foot arch in upright standing - Journal of anatomy - Yamauchi, J., & Koyama, K. (2019). 234(4), 515–522. This research emphasizes the crucial role of toe flexor muscles and the foot arch's dynamic function in maintaining stable upright standing, which is essential for overall foot health and mobility.

Moderate-heeled shoes and knee joint torques relevant to the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis - Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation - Kerrigan, D. C., Johansson, J. L., Bryant, M. G., Boxer, J. A., Della Croce, U., & Riley, P. O. (2005). 86(5), 871–875. This study shows how even moderate-heeled shoes can influence knee joint torques, linking footwear choices to the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis, particularly relevant for older people and long-term lower limb health.

Footwear width and balance-recovery reactions: A new approach to improving lateral stability in older adults - Yamaguchi T, Cheng KC, McKay SM, Maki BE. Gerontechnology. 2015;13(3):359-367. This research highlights the importance of footwear width in enhancing balance and recovery reactions, particularly for older adults, which is a key factor in preventing falls and improving functional mobility.

Minimal shoes improve stability and mobility in persons with a history of falls - Scientific reports - Cudejko, T., Gardiner, J., Akpan, A., & D'Août, K. (2020). 10(1), 21755. This study provides compelling evidence that minimal footwear can significantly enhance stability and mobility in individuals with a history of falls, offering a valuable intervention for improving safety and quality of life for older people.

Minimal footwear improves stability and physical function in middle-aged and older people compared to conventional shoes - Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) - Cudejko, T., Gardiner, J., Akpan, A., & D'Août, K. (2020). 71, 139–145. (Duplicate entry, but reinforces the robust findings regarding the benefits of minimal footwear for stability and physical function in older people).

The role of enhanced plantar-surface sensory feedback on lower limb EMG during planned gait termination - Somatosensory & motor research. 2021;38(2):146-156. - Robb KA, Hyde JD, Perry SD. This research emphasizes the importance of plantar-surface sensory feedback for lower limb control during gait, suggesting that footwear that allows for better sensory input can improve balance and coordination, contributing to overall foot health.

Barefoot Training Improved Ankle Stability and Agility in Netball Players - International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 9(3), 485–496. - de Villiers, J. E., & Venter, R. E. (2014). (Duplicate entry, but reinforces the athletic benefits of barefoot training for lower limb performance and injury prevention).

Effect of Heel Lift Insoles on Lower Extremity Muscle Activation and Joint Work during Barbell Squats - Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland), 9(7), 301. - Lu, Z., Li, X., Xuan, R., Song, Y., Bíró, I., Liang, M., & Gu, Y. (2022). This study details how heel lift insoles affect lower extremity muscle activation and joint work during squats, providing useful information for optimizing training and understanding biomechanical impacts on the lower limb.

The effects of squatting footwear on three-dimensional lower limb and spine kinetics. Journal of electromyography and kinesiology - official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology - Southwell, D. J., Petersen, S. A., Beach, T. A., & Graham, R. B. (2016). 31, 111–118. (Duplicate entry, but reinforces the importance of footwear choice in influencing the biomechanics of the lower limb and spine during specific movements like squatting).

The Importance of the Foot and Ankle in Athletic Performance - Strength and Conditioning Journal: June 2021 - Volume 43 - Issue 3 - p 67-7 - LaPlaca, David A. PhD, CSCS1; Seedman, Joel PhD, CSCS2. This article strongly emphasizes the foundational role of foot and ankle health in optimizing athletic performance, highlighting their critical contribution to force generation and injury prevention in the lower limb.

The mechanical role of the metatarsophalangeal joint in human jumping - Yamauchi, J., & Koyama, K. (2022). PloS one, 17(5), e0268634. This study delves into the specific mechanical role of the metatarsophalangeal joint in human jumping, illustrating the intricate mechanics of the foot and its contribution to explosive lower limb movements.

Modifications in lower leg muscle activation when walking barefoot or in minimalist shoes across different age-groups - Gait & posture - Franklin, S., Li, F. X., & Grey, M. J. (2018). 60, 1–5. (Duplicate entry, but reinforces the importance of understanding muscle activation patterns in the lower limb with different footwear for foot health optimization across all age groups).

Effects of training in minimalist shoes on the intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscle volume - Clinical biomechanics - Chen, T. L., Sze, L. K., Davis, I. S., & Cheung, R. T. (2016). (Bristol, Avon), 36, 8–13. This research indicates that training in minimalist shoes can lead to an increase in both intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscle volume, suggesting a beneficial adaptation for foot health and strength in the lower limb.

Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Foot Joints - Manganaro D, Dollinger B, Nezwek TA, et al. [Updated 2022 Aug 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. This StatPearls entry provides foundational anatomical information on the joints of the foot, which is essential for understanding lower limb mechanics and maintaining optimal foot health.