Abstract
The forefoot plays an important role in providing body support and propulsion during walking. We investigated the effect of forefoot dysfunction on the gait pattern of a young adult with partial bilateral amputation of the toes. We measured our participant’s gait kinematics during barefoot and shod overground walking and analysed time-distance and joint range of motion (RoM) parameters against a group of healthy adults. Forefoot dysfunction gait is improved by footwear and walking experience; however, this improvement was still remarkably different (exceeded 95% CI) when compared to healthy gait at matching walking speed. Compared to healthy gait, walking barefoot had a slower speed and a 30% reduction in ankle and knee joint RoM, but a larger hip RoM. Shod gait resulted in a remarkable increase in ankle RoM and walking speed compared to barefoot gait. These results are consistent with the important role of the forefoot (tarsals and metatarsophalangeal joints) and suggest that footwear can facilitate gait function following toe amputation.
Highlights
The human foot is formed from numerous bones and ligaments, supports body weight and serves as a lever to propel the body forward [1]
There is a specific timing of activation of intrinsic foot muscles during walking, different from that of extrinsic foot muscles [5]
The results of this study show that partial amputation of the toes contributes to the deviation from a healthy kinematic gait pattern
Summary
The human foot is formed from numerous bones and ligaments, supports body weight and serves as a lever to propel the body forward [1]. Two of the three major segments of the foot, the midfoot (arch structure) and forefoot (toes), have been identified as critical in gait because of the large range of motion displayed in the ankle and proximal interphalangeal joint. There are additional sources of deformation, such as the soft tissue on the plantar surface, as well as the longitudinal and transverse arches formed by numerous bones and ligaments [1,2]. Sensory information from numerous receptors in the foot is used to control movement and posture [2,3,4]. Changes in the foot’s structure may significantly impair its function during locomotion
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
