Several interesting observations emerged from the study highlighted by three noteworthy results:
- Fat-Burning Benefits of Earth footwear*:
The average body fat percentage of the Earth footwear group decreased 4 times more than the decrease experienced by the non-Earth footwear group over the course of the study. While both groups experienced fat-burning benefits from the exercise regimen, the rate of fat-burning from the Earth footwear group outpaced the non-treatment group by 4 times. Much of this difference can be attributed to the enhanced muscle recruitment of Earth footwear, particularly in the calves and thighs, but also in core trunk muscles.
- Body Mass Reduction & Muscle Recruitment Benefits of Earth footwear*:
In addition to the fat-burning percentage decrease, the Earth footwear group also realized a mean body mass reduction of .33kg (approx .7lb) during the course of the study. The Earth footwear group experienced a notably higher rate of body fat percentage decrease relative to body mass reduction – an indication of greater muscle recruitment and higher lean body mass (LBM). A higher lean body mass percentage is widely held to correlate with an increased rate of caloric expenditure, even when the body is at rest (a residual effect).
- Enhanced Breathing and Endurance with Earth footwear*:
Relative to the non-Earth footwear group at 2.68%, the Earth footwear group increased their fastest walking time for a fixed distance walk by an average of 4.65%, or 24.6 seconds, during the study. The faster time underscores a cumulative whole-body effect as corroborated by a higher level of V02 max, or maximal oxygen consumption, thereby enhancing aerobic capabilities and endurance.
Bowman, who holds a Masters of Science in the field of Biomechanics commented on the results, “Clearly, the prevailing wisdom in health and wellness circles advocates the benefits of daily exercise and engaging in a ‘10,000 Steps’ program as part of one’s standard regimen. The results of the study support an additional positive aspect – not typically factored into the body health and wellness equation – which is the benefit that appropriate footwear can have on enhancing a ’10,000 Steps’ program.”
Bowman further states, “The Restorative Exercise Institute was founded on the premise that the human body as a machine is optimized and most healthy when properly aligned and balanced. The results of the study are compelling in emphasizing the importance of proper footwear, and in supporting the idea that wearing footwear with an inclined sole, such as Earth footwear with Kalsø Negative Heel® Technology™, can actually improve one’s personal fitness capability.”
For some time, Earth, Inc., as an organization, has received unsolicited anecdotal evidence, testimonials, and third party research studies that have collectively supported and reinforced the benefits of its Earth footwear, and specifically the merits of Kalsø® Negative Heel Technology®. Previous studies from Benedictine University (2006) and the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa (published in the November 2007 American Podiatric Medical Association Journal) have supported similar findings to this study.
What has long created such external interest in Earth is the ‘healthy’ orientation of its footwear as underscored by the incorporation of proprietary Kalsø® Negative Heel Technology® in each shoe. The technology effectively positions the wearers’ toes slightly higher than their heels - at a 3.7° degree incline. In many consumer testimonials, the experience is likened to the dynamic of ‘walking on an inclined treadmill’.
“We’re very excited about the results of the study. It reinforces what we’ve long contended and have been told about our footwear – that there’s something palpable about the whole-body health and wellness benefits, and the capacity for the wearer to actually burn more calories with every step”, comments Dave Aznavorian, Vice President, Marketing, Earth, Inc. “When someone like Katy Bowman, a leading expert in the field of biomechanics, conducts a clinical study to challenge and test the healthy proposition of your product, it’s great when the results are measurable, meaningful, and favorable. We’re hopeful that the experience within a more scientific context will translate to consumers in an everyday context, and that everyone seeking something more out of their healthy lifestyles will look to Earth footwear as a stylish, comfortable, and healthy choice that shares these values.”