The effect of shoe material on the kinetics and kinematics of foot slip at impact on concrete.

The research article investigates how different material types of horseshoes – steel, plastic, and rubber – affect the slip time, distance slid, and ground reaction force when a horse’s foot hits concrete. Findings suggest that these factors aren’t significantly affected by shoe type, but plastic shoes reduce ground reaction force, indicating better resistance to slippage. Further research is needed to determine the ideal slip characteristics to minimize injury risks.

Research Context and Aim

• Previous research found that different shoe materials can alter the time it takes for a horse’s foot to stop sliding, and the relative distance it slides upon impact on a hard surface like concrete. Usually, these factors indicate variations in the ground reaction force between the shoe and the ground.
• This study aimed to test this assumption, assessing whether both the ‘slip time’ and slid distance can serve as indicators of the shoe’s ability to resist slipping after impact.

Methodology

• Eight horses participated in the study. Their forefeet were shod with shoes made from steel, plastic, and rubber. Each horse trotted across a concrete force plate eight times per forefoot in each shoe type.
• Force and movement data were captured at the moment of impact at a rate of 240 times per second. This data was used to calculate the slip time, slip distance, as well as two ground reaction forces: craniocaudal (Fy) and vertical (Fz).

Findings

• The results showed variable slip times and distances between different runs, irrespective of the shoe material. No significant differences were observed in the mean values for slip time and distance across the three shoe types.
• The craniocaudal ground reaction force during slip was significantly lower in the plastic shoes than in the rubber shoes. This suggests that plastic shoes have better resistance against slippage upon impact.
• The ratio of craniocaudal to vertical ground reaction force, an indicator of dynamic friction, was also significantly lower in plastic shoes compared to steel shoes.

Implications and Further Research

• The findings highlight the potential for shoe material to influence ground reaction forces. Lower reaction forces and friction observed with plastic shoes could play a role in reducing the risk of injuries.
• However, further examination of shoe slippage at the end of the stance phase and the extent of energy dissipation during foot slip in different shoe types is warranted. Ultimately, the study suggests that future research should focus on determining the optimum slip characteristics that can modulate loading during impact to minimize the risk of injury.