Abstract
BackgroundMulti-segment foot models (MFMs) for assessing three-dimensional segmental foot motions are calculated via various analytical methods. Although validation studies have already been conducted, we cannot compare their results because the experimental environments in previous studies were different from each other. This study aims to compare the kinematics, repeatability, and reproducibility of five MFMs in the same experimental conditions.MethodsEleven healthy males with a mean age of 26.5 years participated in this study. We created a merged 29-marker set including five MFMs: Oxford (OFM), modified Rizzoli (mRFM), DuPont (DFM), Milwaukee (MiFM), and modified Shriners Hospital for Children Greenville (mSHCG). Two operators applied the merged model to participants twice, and then we analysed two relative angles of three segments: shank-hindfoot (HF) and hindfoot-forefoot (FF). Coefficients of multiple correlation (CMC) and mean standard errors were used to assess repeatability and reproducibility, and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) of the t-value was employed to compare kinematics.ResultsHF varus/valgus of the MiFM and mSHCG models, which rotated the segment according to radiographic or goniometric measurements during the reference frame construction, were significantly more repeatable and reproducible, compared to other models. They showed significantly more dorsiflexed HF and plantarflexed FF due to their static offset angles. DFM and mSHCG showed a greater range of motion (ROM), and some models had significantly different FF points of peak angle.ConclusionsUnder the same conditions, rotating the segment according to the appropriate offset angle obtained from radiographic or goniometric measurement increased reliability, but all MFMs had clinically acceptable reliability compared to previous studies. Moreover, in some models, especially HF varus/valgus, there were differences in ROM and points of peak angle even with no statistical difference in SPM curves. Therefore, based on the results of this study, clinicians and researchers involved in the evaluation of foot and ankle dysfunction need an understanding of the specific features of each MFM to make accurate decisions.
Highlights
Multi-segment foot models (MFMs) for assessing three-dimensional segmental foot motions are calculated via various analytical methods
A few models rotate some coordinate systems according to radiographic and/or goniometric measurements during the reference frame construction [13, 14]. This could be less affected by marker-placement errors and reflect actual bone anatomy. This requires subjects to be exposed to radiation, and some measurements are difficult to acquire from radiographic images such as the shank and hindfoot in the transverse plane, and the forefoot in the coronal plane [13]
For Oxford foot model (OFM), the averaged intersession and inter-evaluator Coefficients of multiple correlations (CMC) were lower in HFcor (0.424 and 0.410, respectively) than in HFtrans (0.810 and 0.791, respectively)
Summary
Multi-segment foot models (MFMs) for assessing three-dimensional segmental foot motions are calculated via various analytical methods. Relative angles of the segments while walking are calculated [3,4,5] This is a general marker-based method of performing motion analysis that builds segments by skin-mounted markers, but it is significantly affected by marker-placement errors among sessions or evaluators [5,6,7,8,9,10]. A few models rotate some coordinate systems according to radiographic and/or goniometric measurements during the reference frame construction [13, 14]. This could be less affected by marker-placement errors and reflect actual bone anatomy. This requires subjects to be exposed to radiation, and some measurements are difficult to acquire from radiographic images such as the shank and hindfoot in the transverse plane, and the forefoot in the coronal plane [13]
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.
