The Effect of Anti-Fatigue Mats on a Micromovements of the Foot

Objectives. To analyse the impact of anti-fatigue mat on micromovements of the feet on the different shoe sole heights. The significant part of the workforce works in a relatively static standing position. The studies recommend using of the anti-fatigue mat, that works by encouraging feet movements as their adaptation to the surface of the mat. Regular foot movements improve blood supply to the working muscles, there is a less strain on the individual muscle fibers, which are used to maintain the upright position, and due to this
pain is reduced.
Materials and Methods. The feet micromovements of ten healthy participants were real- time recorded by iSEN motion capture system. Two pairs of sensors were symmetrically placed on both shins and the front part of the feet. After the 5-minute-long adaptation period, the 1-minute measurements were performed. The first measurement was the initial position and then the measurements on the flat sole, 3 cm sole, 10 cm heel with and without the anti-fatigue matting surface were made. There were 6 records for female and 4 for male (without
10 cm heeled shoes). The statistical data evaluation was made by SPSS 22 and Microsoft Excel.
Results. In 64% of participants, the better average results with increased micro-
movements were shown on both legs for flexion/extension, 55% for abduction/adduction, 82% for eversion/inversion with anti-fatigue matting comparing with common floor on a flat sole. In case of 3 cm sole with matting, 63% showed better results for flexion/extension, 44% - for abduction/adduction, 75% for eversion/inversion. 67% of tested female participants showed better results for flexion/extension, abduction/adduction and eversion/inversion on
10 cm heel with anti-fatigue matting.
Conclusions. The anti-fatigue matting has shown the positive effect with increased feet micromovements during standing on the different sole heights comparing with standing on common floor.