Barefoot Walking Habits and their Potential Protective Effect Against Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Qualitative Study among the Kajangand Highland Papua Communities

Research Article

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder primarily affecting synovial joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and progressive joint damage. While genetic predisposition plays a role, environmental and lifestyle factors—such as physical activity—have emerged as significant contributors to the onset, progression, and prevention of RA. Among these, natural physical activity embedded in cultural practices may offer unexplored protective benefits. This study examines the traditional practice of barefoot walking in two indigenous Indonesian communities: the Kajang ethnic group in South Sulawesi and residents of the Highland Papua region, where walking barefoot is not only a cultural norm but also a necessity due to geographic and socio-economic conditions.

Objectives: This study aims to explore the prevalence of RA symptoms and assess muscle strength among individuals aged 50–60 years who habitually walk barefoot in natural terrains. It seeks to understand whether this daily activity has a potential role in preventing RA and promoting lower extremity musculoskeletal health.
Material and Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted to capture the lived experiences and physical health perceptions of the participants. The study involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 100 individuals—50 from each community—who reported daily barefoot walking over distances ranging from 4 to 8 kilometers. The interviews were conducted in local dialects with the aid of trained translators. In addition to subjective narratives, field observations and basic physical assessments focusing on calf muscle firmness and posture were carried out to evaluate muscular development and functional mobility.

Results: None of the participants reported any clinical or self-reported symptoms suggestive of RA, such as persistent joint pain, morning stiffness, or joint deformities. Observational findings consistently revealed strong calf musculature and stable gait patterns across both communities. Participants also reported high levels of physical activity tolerance, with minimal complaints of musculoskeletal discomfort despite advanced age. The daily barefoot walking on uneven terrain appears to provide natural resistance training, possibly enhancing joint stability and muscular endurance.

Conclusions: The habitual practice of barefoot walking in natural environments may play a protective role against the development of RA by enhancing musculoskeletal strength and promoting joint mobility. These findings suggest that traditional lifestyle practices can offer valuable insights into preventive health strategies, particularly in musculoskeletal health among aging populations. Further multidisciplinary research—including clinical and biomechanical analysis—is needed to substantiate these preliminary observations and elucidate the mechanisms linking barefoot walking to rheumatoid arthritis prevention.