Chiu Min-Chi, Wang Mao-Jiun J
Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, National Tsing Hua University. 101, Section 2 Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30013, ROC.
Appl Ergon. 2007 Mar;38(2):133-41. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2006.03.012.
Epidemiological investigations indicate that nursing professionals experience a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) than most other occupational groups. Most nursing activities require standing and walking for prolonged periods. Such job requirements may contribute to MSD problems in the lower extremities. Thus, wearing comfortable nursing shoes is essential to reduce the lower-extremity discomfort for clinical nurses. The objectives of this study are: (1) to evaluate three brands of commercially available nursing footwear and identify the important shoe features for adequate shoe support during nursing activities, and (2) to assess the effect of wearing compression hosiery by measuring the biomechanical, physiological, and psychophysical responses of test participants. The method of this study involved two phases. First, field observations were conducted to collect job demand data, including walking speed, and the ratios of walking, standing, and sitting. Second, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the functions of professional nursing footwear and examine the influence of compression hosiery on lower extremity discomfort relief. Measurements included electromyography (EMG) of the lower leg, joint range of motion (ROM) in the lower extremity, foot pressure, ground reaction force (GRF), and subjective discomfort ratings for the lower body and feet. Summarizing the findings of this study, comfortable footwear for nursing professionals should emphasize a footbed with arch support outside with 1.5 cm thickness of EVA materials in the metatarsal zone and heel height between 1.8 and 3.6 cm; this can minimize foot pressure distribution, impact force, and increase shin and ankle comfort. In addition, wearing compression hosiery is recommended to alleviate lower body and foot discomfort for clinical nurses.
流行病学调查表明，护理专业人员患肌肉骨骼疾病（MSD）的比例高于大多数其他职业群体。大多数护理活动需要长时间站立和行走。这样的工作要求可能会导致下肢出现MSD问题。因此，穿着舒适的护士鞋对于减轻临床护士的下肢不适至关重要。本研究的目的是：（1）评估三个品牌的市售护士鞋，并确定在护理活动中提供足够支撑所需的重要鞋类特征；（2）通过测量测试参与者的生物力学、生理和心理物理反应，评估穿着压力袜的效果。本研究方法包括两个阶段。首先，进行现场观察以收集工作需求数据，包括步行速度以及步行、站立和坐姿的比例。其次，进行一项实验以评估专业护士鞋的功能，并研究压力袜对缓解下肢不适的影响。测量内容包括小腿肌电图（EMG）、下肢关节活动范围（ROM）、足部压力、地面反作用力（GRF）以及下半身和足部的主观不适评分。总结本研究结果，适合护理专业人员的舒适鞋类应强调带有足弓支撑的鞋垫，外侧跖骨区域采用1.5厘米厚的EVA材料，后跟高度在1.8至3.6厘米之间；这可以使足部压力分布、冲击力最小化，并增加小腿和脚踝的舒适度。此外，建议临床护士穿着压力袜以减轻下半身和足部的不适。
