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By the end of a long shift, sore feet are expected. Fatigue is common. But what if part of that strain starts with the floor itself?
In healthcare environments, nurses, clinicians, and support staff spend hours moving, standing, and responding to patient needs. While flooring may not draw immediate attention, the surface beneath their feet plays a critical role in comfort, safety, and long-term musculoskeletal health.
A study found in the National Library of Medicine reported that the median distance traveled during a 10-hour shift is three
miles, with some nurses walking as much as five miles a day. For nurses who walk the most, that’s about the equivalent of walking a marathon each week!
Surgical teams often remain standing for hours with minimal movement, and support staff frequently transition between patient rooms, corridors, and administrative areas. Over time, this constant activity can strain the lower back, hips, legs, and feet.
Without adequate support underfoot, muscles and joints must work harder to stabilize posture and absorb impact. Even small amounts of cumulative fatigue can contribute to discomfort, and, over time, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) can develop.
Underfoot comfort refers to a flooring surface’s ability to absorb energy and reduce pressure on the body during standing and movement. Floors with sufficient resilience help minimize stress transmitted through feet and joints, allowing staff to maintain posture and move efficiently with less fatigue.
Hard, unforgiving surfaces such as poured concrete or tile offer little impact absorption, increasing strain on the musculoskeletal system. While resilient flooring offers improvement over hard surfaces.
Altro’s smooth comfort flooring solutions are engineered to absorb impact, reduce pressure on joints and muscles, and support staff through long shifts, without compromising hygiene, durability, or cleanability. Each is designed for healthcare environments, providing support that helps reduce fatigue.
For maximum comfort and support in reducing MSD risk, Altro Serenade and Altro Wood Acoustic are our top choices. At 3.9 mm, they combine superior underfoot cushioning with acoustic performance creating calmer spaces that support both caregivers and patients throughout the day.
Altro Orchestra and Altro Wood Comfort, with 2.85 mm thickness, add extra cushioning to enhance underfoot comfort and help reduce fatigue for staff during long shifts.
An additional option is adhesive-free flooring. Altro Wood adhesive-free and Altro Cantata offer comfortable, resilient surfaces that support staff on their feet, while their easy installation and minimal disruption make them practical for a variety of spaces.
Healthcare specifiers can support staff wellbeing by selecting flooring that combines comfort underfoot with durability, hygiene, and cleanability. Choices such as Altro’s comfort and acoustic solutions allow staff to focus on patient care while maintaining rigorous infection control standards.
Even small design decisions, like selecting the right level of cushioning or acoustic performance, can have a measurable impact by reducing fatigue, preventing MSDs, and contributing to a more resilient healthcare workforce.
To learn more about designing comfort underfoot register for our accredited CEU.
