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Various neurological and musculoskeletal disorders can induce pathologic toe walking and lead to changes in foot kinematics. In this study, we analyzed the differences in foot kinematics between toe walking and heel-toe walking (HW) in able-bodied individuals. Twenty young healthy adults performed three gaits: HW, comfortable-height toe walking (CTW), and maximum-height toe walking (MTW). Oxford Foot Model was used for gait analysis. Toe walking showed increase of forefoot plantarflexion and hindfoot internal rotation compared to HW. Thus, our results may help distinguish the pathologic mechanism of the equinus gait in various disorders from the kinematic change of toe walking itself.

Dancers frequently perform jump-landing activities, with the foot-ankle complex playing an essential role to attenuate the landing forces. However, scarce research has been conducted in professional dancers multi-segmented foot in landings. The aim of this study was to compare the multi-segmented foot kinematics between professional dancers and non-dancers, during forward and lateral single-leg jump-landings.Descriptive group comparison.Marker trajectories and synchronized ground reaction forces of 15 professional dancers and 15 non-dancers were collected using motion capture and a force plate, during multidirectional single-leg jump-landings. Sagittal and frontal hindfoot-tibia, forefoot-hindfoot, and hallux-forefoot kinematics of the multi-segmented foot model were computed at initial contact, peak vertical ground reaction force and peak knee flexion. Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted (p 0.05).Professional dancers landed with higher hindfoot-tibia and forefoot-hindfoot plantarflexion angles at initial contact (p 0.001), and hindfoot-tibia dorsiflexion angles at peak vertical ground reaction force and peak knee flexion (p 0.001) than non-dancers. Also, dancers exhibited higher sagittal hindfoot-tibia and forefoot-hindfoot excursions than non-dancers (p 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in the frontal plane.The multi-segmented foot allows a comprehensive kinematic analysis of the different foot joints. In jump-landings, professional dancers higher hindfoot-tibia, and forefoot-hindfoot plantarflexion at initial contact, compared to non-dancers, contributed to a subsequent higher foot joints excursion. This pattern is commonly linked to a better shock absorption mechanism in landings.

Background Clinical tests of foot posture and mobility are not strongly related to the dynamic kinematics of the foot during gait. These measures may be more directly related to foot and ankle kinetics. The supination resistance test (SRT) is a clinical test that may more directly measure forces acting on the weightbearing foot to provide clinicians with insight about the loading of foot structures. Research Question What is the relationship between the SRT in relaxed calcaneal stance and in single-leg-stance and the kinetics and kinematics of the foot and ankle during gait? Methods 10 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 65 were recruited to participate in this study. Three-dimensional motion analysis was performed using the Oxford Foot Model during gait. The results of the SRT were compared with peak midfoot and ankle joint moments, power generation and absorption, joint angles, and peak angular velocities and accelerations. Correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the strength of relationships between these variables and the SRT. Results The SRT demonstrated significant relationships with several variables. In relaxed calcaneal stance, the SRT was inversely related to maximum midfoot pronation moments (r = −0.51), maximum midfoot plantarflexion moments (rho = −0.71), and peak midfoot power generation (r = −0.61). In single-leg-stance, the SRT was significantly related to maximum midfoot plantarflexion moments (rho = −0.55) and peak midfoot power generation (r = −0.47). Significance The SRT is significantly associated to several kinetic variables that quantify midfoot loading during gait. Interventions that decrease supination resistance may have the potential to increase midfoot power generation.

To determine the influence of the unstable sole structure on foot kinematics and provide theoretical basis for further application.12 healthy female subjects walked through a 10-meter experimental channel with normal speed wearing experimental shoes and control shoes respectively at the gait laboratory. Differences between the groups in triplanar motion of the forefoot, rearfoot and hallux during walking were evaluated using a three-dimensional motion analysis system incorporating with Oxford Foot Model (OFM). Compare to contrast group, participants wearing experimental shoes demonstrated greater peak forefoot dorsiflexion, forefoot supination and longer halluces plantar flexion time in support phase. Additionally, participants with unstable sole structure also demonstrated smaller peak forefoot plantarflexion, rearfoot dorsiflexion and range of joint motion in sagittal plane and frontal plane.. The difference mainly appeared in sagittal and frontal plane. With a stimulation of unstable, it may lead to the reinforcement of different flexion between middle and two ends of the foot model. The greater forefoot supination is infered that the unstable element structure may affect the forefoot motion on the frontal plane and has a control effect to strephexopodia people. The stimulation also will reflexes reduce the range of rearfoot motion in sagittal and frontal planes to control the gravity center of the body and keep a steady state in the process of walking.

Introduction: Vertical ground reaction forces (VGRFs) are altered in patients after foot trauma. It is not known if this correlates with ankle kinematics. The aim of this study was to analyze VGRFs in patients after calcaneal trauma and correlate them to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), radiographic findings and kinematic analysis, using a multi-segment foot model. In addition, we determined the predictive value of VGRFs to identify patients with altered foot kinematics.Methods: Thirteen patients (13 feet) with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures, were included an average of two years after trauma surgery. PROMs, radiographic findings on postoperative computed tomography scans, gait analysis using the Oxford foot model and VGRFs were analysed during gait. Results were compared with those of 11 healthy subjects (20 feet). Speed was equal in both groups, with healthy subjects walking at self-selected slow speed (0.94 +/- 0.18m/s) and patients after surgery walking at self-selected normal speed (0.94 +/- 0.29 m/s). ROC curves were used to determine the predictive value.Results: Patients after calcaneal surgery showed a lower minimum force during midstance (p = 0.004) and a lower maximum force during toe-off (p = 0.011). This parameter correlated significantly with the range of motion in the sagittal plane during the push-off phase (r 0.523, p = 0.002), as well as with PROMs and with postoperative residual step-off (r 0.423, p = 0.016). Combining these two parameters yielded a cut-off value of 193% (p Conclusion: Patients after calcaneal fracture showed lower minimum force during midstance and lower maximum force during toe-off compared to healthy subjects. This lower maximum force during push-off correlated significantly with PROMs, range of motion in the sagittal plane during push-off and radiographic postoperative residual step-off in the posterior facet of the calcaneal bone. VGRFs are a valuable screening tool for identifying patients with altered gait patterns.

Introduction: Excessive pronation has been linked to increased risk of developing lower limb injuries. In this respect, assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic resources, such as hyperelastic taping, becomes relevant. Objective: evaluate the influence of adhesive hyperelastic taping on excessive pronation of the ankle-foot complex in young women. Method: Self-controlled clinical trial of ten women with excessive pronation (Foot Posture Index ≥ 6). Three-dimensional gait was assessed according to the Vicon Oxford Foot Model before and after taping. Hyperelastic tape was applied on the side with greater pronation (experimental side) and the opposite side was used as control (control side). The segments evaluated were the hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot. The Shapiro-Wilk normality, paired t and Wilcoxon tests were applied and Significance was set at p 0.05) was observed in the hindfoot on the experimental or control side; the midfoot showed a decrease in arch height (p

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate a correlation between the morphology of the intrinsic musculature of the foot and foot kinematics during gait using a foot type classification based on the windlass function. [Participants and Methods] We examined 67 feet of 35 healthy participants in this study. We collected three-dimensional foot kinematic data during gait from the Oxford Foot Model and assessed the morphology of the flexor digitorum brevis, abductor hallucis, adductor halluces (oblique head), and abductor digiti minimi muscles using B-mode ultrasound. Using the Foot Posture Index (six-item version), we divided static foot postures into two groups: normal arch and flatfoot. Subsequently, we compared foot kinematics and the morphology of the intrinsic musculature among the four groups using the analysis of variance with the Bonferroni test. [Results] Foot kinematics of the flatfoot-adduction type during gait significantly differed from that of the normal arch-abduction type. The abductor digiti minimi of the flatfoot-adduction type was significantly thinner than that of the normal arch-abduction type. [Conclusion] There may be some variations in flatfoot, and the flatfoot-abduction type might not be a risk factor for overuse injuries.

[Purpose] There are no reliable evidences that the weakening of intrinsic foot muscles causes the decrease of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) height. The purpose of this study was to confirm whether the fatigue of intrinsic foot muscles decrease the MLA height during standing and gait using 3D motion analysis system. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy male subjects participated in this study. Foot kinematics was measured using an Oxford Foot Model before and after fatigue-inducing exercises of the abductor hallucis and flexor hallucis brevis muscles. [Results] Following fatigue-inducing exercise, in both standing and gait, the MLA height did not decrease but slightly increased. In addition, the reduction of a rear foot eversion angle was noted. [Conclusion] Fatigue of the abductor hallucis and flexor hallucis brevis muscles did not cause a change associated with collapsing of the MLA during both standing and gait. This suggested that the MLA support force from these muscles would be compensated by other MLA support structures, such as extrinsic foot muscles.

Background Detailed kinematics of the foot has been frequently reported on in the literature, specifically using various multi-segment foot models. It is important to identify the reliability of a multi-segment foot model in a population of mixed genders and activity levels, while walking in commonly used footwear. The main objective of this study was to investigate the between-day reliability and within-session variability of the Oxford Foot Model (OFM) while walking in a neutral cushioning shoe. Methods A 7-camera Vicon motion capture system was used along with 29 passive reflective markers, placed on the participant to examine the multi-segment foot kinematics of the left foot using the OFM. Windows were cut in New Balance 840 shoes following reports from a previous investigation to maintain shoe integrity during testing. Two walking sessions on separate days were collected for 12 healthy participants, with an average total of 22 gait cycles per day. Results ICCs ranged from 0.020 to 0.964 for between-day reliability, and within-session ICC values ranged from 0.268 to 0.985. Between-day ICC values of the relative measures (excursion and range of motion (ROM)) were higher than the absolute angle measures (angle at foot strike and peak angle). Largest differences were measured in the transverse plane, and the smallest differences in the sagittal plane. Bland-Altman plots revealed best agreement in the frontal and sagittal planes. SEM values ranged from 0.04 to 3.5 for the between-day reliability. Conclusions Between-day reliability and within-session variability were comparable to previous studies for adults walking barefoot and shod. This research demonstrates that the OFM can produce reliable data when applied to the assessment of a shod foot.

Background Flatfoot is a common presentation in children. It is usually asymptomatic, though a small number of children experience pain. Foot function during flatfoot walking is rarely considered, yet as an activity that places significant demands on the feet, this could explain the differences in terms of symptoms. Research question This paper investigates walking patterns in neutral and flat feet, with and without symptoms, to determine which kinematic parameters are associated with symptomatic flat feet. Methods This is a retrospective study in which one hundred and six children between five and 18 years old were assessed by a physiotherapist for foot posture. Each foot was classified into one of four groups, giving 98 asymptomatic neutral, 47 asymptomatic mild flat, 29 asymptomatic flat, and 38 symptomatic flat feet with complete data for analysis. Using Plug-In-Gait and Oxford-Foot-Model markers, walking kinematics were measured, along with ground reaction forces. Median values of 14 lower limb joint angles were calculated at foot strike, midstance, and foot off. Each foot was treated as an independent sample. ANOVA and ANCOVA (with the speed-related variable relative stride length as the covariate) and post-hoc tests were used to assess whether angles differed between groups. Results The symptomatic flat feet showed significant differences from asymptomatic groups (most commonly the neutral feet) in terms of hip flexion, knee flexion and varus, hindfoot inversion-eversion, and forefoot abduction-adduction. Increased forefoot abduction occurred throughout stance phase in symptomatic flatfooted participants compared to all asymptomatic groups. Significance The results suggest that foot motion in the transverse plane is closely associated with the presence of symptoms in flat feet and that this is accompanied by changes in the kinematics of the ankle, knee, and hip.

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Ankle arthrodesis is still the primary treatment for end-stage arthritis of the ankle that does not respond to conservative treatment. However, comparative studies demonstrated that the patients’ functional outcomes remain significantly lower than normal, progression of subtalar and midfoot arthritis and there could be measurable abnormalities in their gait parameters. Previous studies demonstrated gait analysis after ankle arthrodesis using 3D motion capture system. These studies used a single segment foot model, which had the limitation of detailed motion analysis. 3D multi-segmental foot model enables to perform detailed analysis segmentally such as fore foot and hind foot. The purpose of this study was to examine foot kinematics during walking after ankle arthrodesis using 3D multi-segment foot model as compared with a healthy control group. Methods: Between 2014 and 2016, nine patients who underwent an isolated ankle arthrodesis were followed for a mean 2 years after surgery, and five control subjects were included for comparison. Physical examination, radiographic examination and gait examination were performed. For gait analysis Vicon Nexus system with 16 MX-Cameras was used to capture foot kinematics during barefoot walking at self-selected speed along a 10 m walkway. Markers were placed according to the Oxford Foot Model (OFM). Patients completed preoperative and annual postoperative functional outcome scores including the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale. Results: JSSF scale was significantly improved from pre-operation to post-operation (50 points versus 85 points; pConclusion: In this study, detailed motion of foot after ankle arthrodesis could be analyzed by using OFM. Range of sagittal motion in hind foot in arthrodesis group during one gait cycle was significantly smaller than that in healthy group. However, no significant difference was observed in the forefoot. The same result was also obtained on the frontal plane. In arthrodesis group, forefoot tended to be more plantarflexion than healthy group in gait, especially there was significant difference at heel contact. These findings suggested to cause lower functional outcomes and the progression of subtalar and midfoot arthritis after ankle arthrodesis.

Currently, patients who have suffered foot and ankle fractures are being evaluated by means of questionnaires, physical examination and X-rays. This dissertation examines foot and ankle mobility during gait in patients with different types of foot and ankle trauma based on an objective and reliable foot model (i.e. the Oxford Foot Model). Compared to healthy volunteers, all groups showed a lower walking speed and a reduced foot and ankle mobility. The reduced foot and ankle mobility was associated with the level of patient satisfaction reported in the questionnaires and the extent of fracture healing. This dissertation shows that this foot model is a promising diagnostic tool.

Background: Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint is an intervention often used in patients with severe MTP1 joint osteoarthritis and relieves pain in approximately 80% of these patients. The kinematic effects and compensatory mechanism of the foot for restoring a more normal gait pattern after this intervention are unknown. The aim of this study was to clarify this compensatory mechanism, in which it was hypothesized that the hindfoot and forefoot would be responsible for compensation after an arthrodesis of the MTP1 joint. Methods: Gait properties were evaluated in 10 feet of 8 patients with MTP1 arthrodesis and were compared with 21 feet of 12 healthy subjects. Plantar pressures and intersegmental range of motion were measured during gait by using the multisegment Oxford Foot Model. Pre- and postoperative X-rays of the foot and ankle were also evaluated. Results: The MTP1 arthrodesis caused decreased eversion of the hindfoot during midstance, followed by an increased internal rotation of the hindfoot during terminal stance, and ultimately more supination and less adduction of the forefoot during preswing. In addition, MTP1 arthrodesis resulted in a lower pressure time integral beneath the hallux and higher peak pressures beneath the lesser metatarsals. A mean dorsiflexion fusion angle of 30 ± 5.4 degrees was observed in postoperative radiographs. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the hindfoot and forefoot compensated for the loss of motion of the MTP1 joint after arthrodesis in order to restore a more normal gait pattern. This resulted in a gait in which the rigid hallux was less loaded while the lesser metatarsals endured higher peak pressures. Further studies are needed to investigate whether this observed transfer of load or a preexistent decreased compensatory mechanism of the foot can possibly explain the disappointing results in the minority of the patients who experience persistent complaints after a MTP1 arthrodesis. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative series.

To investigate the effects between pregnant women (PW) and non-pregnant women (NW) on foot kinematics during walking using the Oxford foot model (OFM). Twenty women with last trimester of pregnancy and 23 non-pregnant women were involved in this study. Three-dimensional motion of the forefoot, hindfoot and tibia during walking were recorded by a Vicon motion analysis system. Two force platforms were used to record the ground reaction force. Compared with NW, PW demonstrated greater plantar flexion and internal rotation of hindfoot and internal tibial rotation during initial contact, greater forefoot eversion and hindfoot external rotation during push off. Moreover, PW showed greater external tibial rotation than NW during toe off and the centre of pressure (COP) trajectory moved to the 2nd to 3rd metatarsal at this stage. It appears that the altered foot kinematics of pregnant women may contribute to the redistribution of joints loads and the maintenance stability at a comfortable walking pace.

This study aims to identify kinematic differences between children with Ponseti treated clubfoot and age-matched healthy controls during gait, using the Oxford Foot Model. This pilot is part of a large project comparing gait kinematics between children with Ponseti treated clubfoot with and without relapse and healthy controls. Final results could identify relevant gait parameters which will allow for early detection of a relapse clubfoot. ispartof: Gait Posture vol:65 Suppl 1 pages:353-354 ispartof: location:England status: published

Correlation between Oxford Foot Model kinematics and plantar pressure during voluntary varus/valgus gait in healthy children.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the reproducibility of the Oxford Foot Model (OFM) when used with healthy adults during two clinical tests, i.e., the Anterior Step Down Test (SDA) and the Lateral Step Down Test (SDL). Five healthy participants (one male and four females, 10 limbs in total) with a mean age of 22.2 (19–30) years were assessed in four sessions of tests conducted at intervals of one week. Two independent examiners performed two of the sessions of each of the tests. For each session (intra-day), nine repetitions of each clinical test (SDA and SDL) were performed. After an interval of three hours, the data were collected again. The tests were conducted again after an interval of one week using the same experimental conditions. The intra- and inter-session repeatabilities of the ranges of motion of the feet were determined according to the standard error of measurement (SEM) for each examiner and for the differences between the examiners. The repeatabilities of the results were high for both of the conducted tests. The SEM results were as follows: 0.47–1.94° for the intra-examiner assessment (SDA), 0.55–2.01° for the inter-examiner comparison (SDA), 0.44–2.43° for the intra-examiner assessment (SDL), and 0.54–1.89° for the inter-examiner comparison (SDL). The OFM model was shown to be reproducible in terms of assessing the range of motion of healthy adults during functional tests (SDA and SDL).

Flatfoot is a common variant of foot posture. Whilst usually benign, in some children flatfoot is accompanied by pain and functional complaints. Comparisons between the posture of asymptomatic and symptomatic flat feet are few. If a difference does exist, it may help understand symptoms and guide management.This paper investigated differences in lower limb posture between neutral and flat feet with and without symptoms during standing using the multi-segment Oxford Foot Model. 97 children between five and 18years old were assessed by a physiotherapist; each foot was classified into one of four categories: asymptomatic neutral (n=88), asymptomatic mild flatfoot (n=47), asymptomatic flatfoot (n=29), or symptomatic flatfoot (n=30). For each child, Oxford Foot Model markers were applied, and mean values of 11-Euler angles at the foot, ankle, and knee joints during standing were calculated. Analysis of variance and post-hoc tests were used to identify differences between groups.Hindfoot eversion was significantly increased (P0.001) in children with asymptomatic and, to a greater extent, symptomatic flatfoot. The forefoot was significantly more abducted (P0.001) in the symptomatic than asymptomatic groups, and in the flat than neutral group. The forefoot was more supinated relative to the hindfoot in the flatfoot groups (P=0.023), although post-hoc analysis did not identify specific group differences.Hindfoot eversion and forefoot abduction were much greater in the symptomatic population. The differences in foot alignment may relate to the presence of symptoms.

Background: Previous studies that investigated mobilization with movement (MWM) treatment assessed only improvements in passive range of motion (ROM). No information is currently available regarding the efficacy of modified MWM by application of tape. Therefore, we investigated the effect of uphill walking with modified MWM using tape applied to the talocrural joint (uphill walking with MWM taping) in women with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: Twelve feet of 12 women with ankle dorsiflexion < 8 degrees were studied. Passive ROM measured using a goniometer was used to select participants. Participants walked on a level walkway under 3 conditions: before exercise, after uphill walking, and after uphill walking with MWM taping. The Oxford Foot Model using 3D motion analysis system was used to examine dynamic foot kinematics, and statistical significance was determined by 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: After uphill walking with MWM taping, peak hindfoot dorsiflexion relative to the tibia was significantly greater than that before exercise and after uphill walking. Furthermore, peak forefoot plantarflexion relative to the hindfoot, peak hindfoot plantarflexion relative to the tibia, and backward tilt of the tibia were greater than those before exercise. Conclusions: Uphill walking with MWM taping resulted in an immediate alteration in foot motion during walking, increasing hindfoot dorsiflexion in particular. Clinical Relevance: Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of uphill walking with MWM taping and its potential use in rehabilitation training.

Background Anatomy-based regionalization of pressure dynamic footprints has been proved to be feasible when accurate kinematic and baropodometric measurements are integrated [1]. The potential of this method is easily understandable when footprints are incomplete or severely altered; however, its thorough validation on healthy and pathologic feet is still required. This study focusses on anatomy-based masking in paediatric clubfoot using the Oxford Foot Model (OFM, [2]), which identifies 5 plantar regions of high clinical relevance in this population. Validation is based on the comparison with traditional geometrical masking using the same 5 regions, applied to young healthy volunteers and clubfeet.

Turning is a requirement for most locomotor tasks; however, knowledge of the biomechanical requirements of successful turning is limited. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the spatio-temporal and lower-limb kinematics of 90° turning. Seventeen typically developing children, fitted with full body and multi-segment foot marker sets, having performed both step (outside leg) and spin (inside leg) turning strategies at self-selected velocity, were included in the study. Three turning phases were identified: approach, turn, and depart. Stride velocity and stride length were reduced for both turning strategies for all turning phases (p

Background A variety of multi-segmental foot models have been produced to examine patterns of foot segmental movement during gait cycle to identify biomechanical differences between normal and pathological foot function[1-3]. The reliability of foot models to accurately describe motion of the foot joints is dependent on the ability of the examiner to repeatedly apply markers to specific landmarks and the relevance of models’ segmental descriptions to underlying anatomy. The aim of this study was to test the reliability of segmental angles measured by three published foot models during paediatric gait. Materials and methods Sixteen children, aged 6 to 12 years old, were recruited to the study. Marker sets for three foot models 3DFoot [1], Oxford Foot Model (OFM)[2], and Kinfoot[3] were applied to their right feet simultaneously which to the authors knowledge, is the first direct comparison of the three models during gait. Each foot model was assessed for repeatability of maximal joint angle and range of motion during the gait cycle between two testing occasions. Absolute angular differences and standard error of measurement (SEM) are reported. Results Repeatability of all maximal segmental angles and range of motions were higher in 3DFoot compared to OFM and Kinfoot (Table 1).

Background An ideal measure of foot posture should be repeatable, representative of foot position, quantitative, objective, comprehensive, and suited to static and dynamic assessment. The Oxford Foot Model (OFM) is a clinically tested and validated model [1] used to assess foot deformity during walking. This study aims to use relevant components of the OFM to provide a quantitative foot posture assessment method. An assessment of OFM components which distinguish neutral, flat, and symptomatic flat feet is presented here.

Foot posture is thought to influence predisposition to overuse injuries of the lower limb. Although the mechanisms underlying this proposed relationship are unclear, it is thought that altered foot kinematics may play a role. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate differences in foot motion between people with normal- and flat-arched feet using the Oxford Foot Model (OFM). Foot posture in 19 participants was documented as normal-arched (n=10) or flat-arched (n=9) using a foot screening protocol incorporating measurements from weightbearing antero-posterior and lateral foot radiographs. Differences between the groups in triplanar motion of the tibia, rearfoot and forefoot during walking were evaluated using a three-dimensional motion analysis system incorporating a multi-segment foot model (OFM). Participants with flat-arched feet demonstrated greater peak forefoot plantar-flexion (-13.7° ± 5.6° vs -6.5° ± 3.7°; p=0.004), forefoot abduction (-12.9° ± 6.9° vs -1.8° ± 6.3°; p=0.002), and rearfoot internal rotation (10.6° ± 7.5° vs -0.2°± 9.9°; p=0.018) compared to those with normal-arched feet. Additionally, participants with flat-arched feet demonstrated decreased peak forefoot adduction (-7.0° ± 9.2° vs 5.6° ± 7.3°; p=0.004) and a trend towards increased rearfoot eversion (-5.8° ± 4.4° vs -2.5° ± 2.6°; p=0.06). These findings support the notion that flat-arched feet have altered motion associated with greater pronation during gait; factors that may increase the risk of overuse injury.

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las repercusiones cinemáticas del antepié varo (AV) en un grupo de niños de 7-10 años, tanto en estática como durante la marcha. Población: 30 niños con AV (9.3 ± 1.7 años; 6.1º ± 2.3º de AV), 21 niños control (GC) (9.2 ± 1.6 años). Se utilizaron los modelos “Oxford Foot” y “Plug-In-Gait” para analizar la cinemática, en estática y durante la marcha, en los 2 grupos (Sistema VICON, 6 cámaras). Para comparar todas las variables entre los dos grupos, se aplicó el t-test para muestras independientes, cuando los datos eran normales, y el test de Mann Whitney cuando no lo eran. En estática, el grupo AV presentó mayor eversión del retropié, descenso del arco longitudinal interno y una actitud en flexión de toda la extremidad inferior. Al caminar, este grupo presentó mayor eversión del retropié y aplanamiento del arco interno en todas las fases de la marcha analizadas; proximalmente, se observó mayor báscula anterior de la pelvis y flexión de las 3 grandes articulaciones de la extremidad inferior y mayor rotación externa de cadera. No existieron diferencias en la velocidad de la marcha, pero, para conseguir esta velocidad, el grupo AV necesitó mayor cadencia y una longitud y una duración de paso menor. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the forefoot varus (FV) on the kinematics of the lower limb, in standing and during walking, in a group of children aged between 7 and 10 years. The Oxford Foot Model was used, simultaneously with a conventional lower limb model, to compare the kinematics of 10 forefoot varus children (9.3 ± 1.7 years; 6.1º ± 2.3º of FV) and 11 healthy controls (9.2 ± 1.6 years). Data acquisition was performed using a six-camera motion capture system. The independent t- test was used to compare normal data and the Mann-Whitney test to compare non-normal data. In standing, the FV group showed a higher hindfoot eversion, a lower height of the internal longitudinal arch and a higher flexion in the 3 main joints of the lower limb. During walking, this group presented a higher hindfoot eversion and a lower height of the internal longitudinal arch in all the studied phases; on the other hand, a higher pelvis anterior tilt, a higher flexion of the 3 main joints of the lower limb and a higher external rotation of the hip were found. There were no differences in the gait speed but, to achieve this speed, the FV group needed a higher cadence, due to a lower length and duration of the step.

Plantar pressure measurement is widely used to assess foot deformity and plan treatment. However, measurement is notoriously variable, and the outcomes of questionable clinical relevance. The aim of this study was to provide an objective, comprehensive and clinically relevant measure of foot deformity by correlating pressure measurement with multi-segment foot model kinematics.

The foot plays an important role as it is the only connection that the human body has with the floor when walking, running, etc. The two main techniques commonly used to study the lower limb in biomechanics are gait analysis and plantar pressure measurements. However, they require different settings: One requires barefoot experimentation and the other requires the subject to be shod. The method proposed in this paper attempts to solve this problem by designing shoes that can mimic both conditions. This allows the analysis of both approaches simultaneously and therefore provides valuable inputs for the development of a well validated model of the foot.

Introduction: The NeuroFlexor® is an apparatus that estimates the viscosity, elasticity and the neural component of the resistance in the wrist and finger flexor muscles when the wrist is passively extended. Only the neural component has been validated, and the device has not been used in children. It is proposed that viscosity and elasticity increase with increased muscle cross-sectional area. The aim of the study was to correlate the cross-sectional areas ofwrist and finger flexormuscleswith viscosity and elasticitymeasured with the NeuroFlexor®, and with grip strength. Patients/materials and methods: 15 typically developed subjects, 8–18 years old and one subject with cerebral palsy (CP), 17 years old, were testedwith theNeuroFlexor®. Ultrasoundwas used to obtain the cross-sectional areas of the flexor carpi radialis and flexor digitorum superficialismuscles. Grip strengthwasmeasured with the Grippit®. Results: There were moderate correlations between the viscosity and the cross sectional areas of the flexor carpi radialis (rrho=0.57; p=0.03) and the flexor digitorum superficialis (rrho=0.57; p=0.03). There were no correlations between elasticity and the flexor carpi radialis (rrho=0.30; p=0.28) and flexor digitorum superficialis (rrho=0.28; p=0.33). Discussion and conclusions: The current pilot study suggests that the NeuroFlexor® estimates viscosity correctly. The NeuroFlexor® has the potential to become a useful tool for treatment evaluation in children with CP and contribute to the understanding of contractures.

Background Measurement accuracy of joint kinematics is influenced by how closely the trajectories of surface markers represent the motion of underlying bones [1]. For the Oxford Foot Model (OFM) hindfoot segment, the heel (HEE), lateral calcaneus (LCA) and sustentaculum tali (STL) markers are used to track the movement of the calcaneus [2]. This paper investigates the how changes in marker placement affect the orientation of the OFM hindfoot segment axes.