Effect of using antistatic boats on gas station workers' foot health and balance

Antistatic boots are one of the required workplace equipment is used to prevent static electricity that may occur on the bodies of workers working at petrol stations and to prevent them for future injuries at work. 303 individuals between the ages of 18-55 working at gas stations and using antistatic boots were included in this study in order to examine the impact of antistatic boots used in gas stations on foot health and balance. (Mean age 35, 58 ± 11, 28 years). A study was conducted in all gas stations that allow survey in the provinces of Gaziantep and Kilis. All participants were evaluated with Foot Function Index and Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaires were used as test. 36 individuals were chosen by a simple randomization process to analyse the balance tests among the participants in the second screening. In addition to that 36 selected participants' The Star Excursion Balance Test and Balance Tests on One Foot with Eyes Open and Closed were examined. Furthermore, pain values of all participants were evaluated by using the Visual Analogue Scale. All evaluations were carried out in 3 (three) separate ways; with boots, casual shoes and bare legs. As a result Star Excursion Balance Test analysis, the distance reached with casual shoes was longer than the distance reached with barefoot and antistatic boots. It was also observed that distance covered by antistatic boots in all directions is shorter than the distance reached with barefoot and casual shoes. The distance reached with barefoot and boots was statistically comparable. The longest standing time with eyes open balance on one leg was measured with daily shoes. The shortest standing time was measured with barefoot. The longest standing time with eyes closed balance was measured with boots. The shortest standing time was measured with casual shoes. The outcome of our research will contribute to the existing literature on studies affecting individuals using antistatic boots in the context of occupational health and safety and will inform physiotherapists in this field.