| Summary: | <p>The US Army Annual Injury Epidemiology Report in 2008 reported that 18.4% of all causes of injuries were attributed to falls/near falls (USAPHC, 2008). The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of two military type boots (minimalist and standard) on balance prior to and after a physiological workload. Twenty-four healthy male adults completed the study following a repeated measures design and a counter balanced footwear assignment. Participants underwent a balance analysis prior to and after completing a military workload. The dependent kinetic variables from balance tests were analyzed using a 2x2 RM-ANOVA independently, p<0.05. Results demonstrated minimalist boots showed superior balance in most conditions likely due to low mass, low heel-midfoot drop, and thin, hard midsoles; however, standard boots demonstrated greater balance on unstable surfaces likely due to a large sole surface area. Optimal balance would likely be a result of a combination of both boots characteristics. </p>
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