A multi-segment kinematic model of the foot with a novel definition of forefoot motion for use in clinical gait analysis during walking

Jenkyn, T. R.; Nicol, A. C.

Affiliations

¹Bioengineering Unit, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

²Wolf Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada N6A 5B9

Abstract and keywords

A multi-segment kinematic model of the foot was developed for use in a gait analysis laboratory. The foot was divided into hindfoot, talus, midfoot and medial and lateral forefoot segments. Six functional joints were defined: ankle and subtalar joints, frontal and transverse plane motions of the hindfoot relative to midfoot, supination/pronation twist of the forefoot relative to midfoot and medial longitudinal arch height-to-length ratio. Twelve asymptomatic subjects were tested during barefoot walking with a six-camera optical stereometric system and auto-reflective markers organized in triads. Repeatability of the joint motions was tested using coefficients of multiple correlation.

Ankle and subtalar joint motions and twisting of the forefoot were most repeatable. Hindfoot motions were least repeatable both within-subjects and between-subjects. Hindfoot and forefoot pronation in the frontal plane was found to coincide with dropping of the medial longitudinal arch between early to mid-stance, followed by supination and rising of the arch in late stance and swing phase. This multi-segment foot model addresses an unfortunate shortcoming in current gait analysis practice—the inability to measure motion within the foot. Such measurements are crucial if gait analysis is to remain relevant in the orthopaedic and rehabilitative treatment of the foot and ankle.

Keywords: Kinematics; Gait analysis; Hindfoot; Midfoot; Forefoot; Ankle; Subtalar; Biomechanics

Links

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2007.04.008

PubMed: 17610881

WoS: 000250848000028

History

Accepted: 2007-04-17

Online: 2007-07-3

Cited Works (8)

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Cited By (12)

Year	Entry
2018	Campbell B, Miller MC, Williams L, Conti SF. Pilot study of a 3-dimensional method for analysis of pronation of the first metatarsal of hallux valgus patients. Foot Ankle Int. December 2018;39(12):1449-1456.
2010	Jenkyn TR, Shultz R, Giffin JR, Birmingham TB. A comparison of subtalar joint motion during anticipated medial cutting turns and level walking using a multi-segment foot model. Gait Post. February 2010;31(2):153-158.
2010	Levinger P, Murley GS, Barton CJ, Cotchett MP, McSweeney SR, Menz HB. A comparison of foot kinematics in people with normal- and flat-arched feet using the Oxford Foot Model. Gait Post. October 2010;32(4):519-523.
2011	Wei F, Braman JE, Weaver BT, Haut RC. Determination of dynamic ankle ligament strains from a computational model driven by motion analysis based kinematic data. J Biomech. October 13, 2011;44(15):2636-2641.
2012	Bishop C, Paul G, Thewlis D. Recommendations for the reporting of foot and ankle models. J Biomech. August 31, 2012;45(13):2185-2194.
2012	Shultz R, Jenkyn T. Determining the maximum diameter for holes in the shoe without compromising shoe integrity when using a multi-segment foot model. Med Eng Phys. January 2012;34(1):118-122.
2012	Wei F. Biomechanical Investigations and Computational Modeling of the Human Ankle [PhD thesis]. East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University; 2012.
2017	Campbell B. An Assessment of Hallux Valgus [PhD thesis]. University of Pittsburgh; 2017.
2021	Kessler SE. The Spring in Your Step: The Role of Muscles and Elastic Connective Tissue Within the Foot [PhD thesis]. Brisbane, Australia: University of Queensland; 2021.
2018	Roach KE. Development, Validation, and Application of Dynamic Imaging to Quantify in Vivo Kinematics of the Foot and Ankle [PhD thesis]. University of Utah; December 2018.
2016	Mane A. Representing Sub-Failure Quasi-Static Ligament Mechanics and Bone Kinematics in a Human Ankle Finite Element Model [Master's thesis]. Charlottesville, VA: University of Virginia; May 2016.
2019	Oikawa LY. Quantitative Analysis of the Kinematics of the Foot During Gait With Respect to Barefoot Running Shoes Using a Multi-Segment Foot Model [Master's thesis]. University of Western Ontario; 2019.