Dynamic support of the human longitudinal arch: a biomechanical evaluation

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Thordarson, David B.; Schmotzer, Hans; Chon, Jae; Peters, John

Dynamic support of the human longitudinal arch: a biomechanical evaluation

Clin Orthop Relat Res. July 1995;316:165-172

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the dynamic support provided to the human longitudinal arch by the leg muscles active in the stance phase of gait and by the plantar aponeurosis. Ten fresh adult cadaveric specimens were mounted in a materials testing machine. The tendons of the posterior tibialis, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus, peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, and Achilles tendon were attached to force transducers. Plantar loads of 0, 350 and 700 N were applied, and the tendons were tensioned individually. The Achilles tendon was tensioned an amount equal to the plantar load; the posterior tibialis, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus, peroneus longus, and peroneus brevis were tensioned a fractional amount (depending on the proportion of the cross-sectional area to the gastrocsoleus complex). The angular relationships between the first metatarsal, navicular, and talus were recorded using a 3-dimensional movement analysis system. An additional series of measurements was obtained by positioning the ankle plantarflexed 10[degrees] under a plantar load of 350 N. Dorsiflexing the toes with the ankle in a neutral position and loading the foot to 350 N and 700 N permitted an evaluation of the effect of the plantar aponeurosis. The plantar aponeurosis, via dorsiflexion of the toes, contributed the most significant arch support in the sagittal plane with a 3.6[degrees] increase between the first metatarsal and talus at 350 N and a 2.3[degrees] increase at 700 N. The posterior tibialis tendon consistently provided arch support at plantar loads of 350 N and 700 N. The peroneus longus consistently abducted the forefoot in the transverse plane at 350-N and 700-N load levels. The study provides further insight into the dynamic supporting and deforming forces of the longitudinal arch.
Links

PubMed: 7634700

WoS: A1995RJ21300022

Ovid: 00003086-199507000-00022

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Cited By (18)

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2006	Cheung JT-M, Zhang M, An K-N. Effect of Achilles tendon loading on plantar fascia tension in the standing foot. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). February 2006;21(2):194-203.
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1998	Sharkey NA, Ferris L, Donahue SW. Biomechanical consequences of plantar fascia release or rupture during gait, I: disruptions in longitudinal arch conformation. Foot Ankle Int. December 1998;19(12):812-820.
2003	Crary JL, Hollis JM, Manoli A II. The effect of plantar fasci release on strain in the spring and long plantar ligaments. Foot Ankle Int. 2003;24(3):245-250.
2008	Kirane YM, Michelson JD, Sharkey NA. Contribution of the flexor hallucis longus to loading of the first metatarsal and first metatarsophalangeal joint. Foot Ankle Int. April 2008;29(4):367-377.
2010	Caravaggi P, Pataky T, Günther M, Savage R, Crompton R. Dynamics of longitudinal arch support in relation to walking speed: contribution of the plantar aponeurosis. J Anat. 2010;217(3):254-261.
2008	Kirane YM, Michelson JD, Sharkey NA. Evidence of isometric function of the flexor hallucis longus muscle in normal gait. J Biomech. 2008;41(9):1919-1928.
1999	Donahue SW, Sharkey NA. Strains in the metatarsals during the stance phase of gait: implications for stress fractures. J Bone Joint Surg. September 1999;81A(9):1236-1244.
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2002	Erdemir A. Load Transfer Mechanisms of the Foot [PhD thesis]. State College, PA: Pennsylvania State University; December 2002.
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2022	Eriksen Daehlin T. The Role of the Ankle Plantar Flexors, Extrinsic Foot Muscles, and Intrinsic Foot Muscles in Performing Propulsive Tasks [PhD thesis]. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta; 2022.
2012	Graf ES. Torsion of the Foot [PhD thesis]. Calgary, AB: University of Calgary; May 2012.
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2013	Spratley EM. Patient-Specific Modeling of Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity Before and After Surgery [PhD thesis]. Richmond, VA: Virginia Commonwealth University; 2013.