MODELS OF EVALUATION OF BIOMECHANICAL PARAMETERS OF LOWER EXTREMITIES IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Background. A leading place among diseases of the musculoskeletal system is occupied by various foot deformities. Biomechanics studying of the lower extremities in normal conditions and with various deformations is extremely necessary and very promising. The nature and peculiarities of move formation processes in children are not fully investigated. Domestic and foreign literature doesn’t pay enough attention to evaluating the parameters of the foot elasticity. Objective. The aim of the paper is to evaluate standing and walking biomechanical features, gait cycle, elastic feet characteristics that can serve as a tool for the early diagnosis of impaired function of the foot in children. Methods. In the study, the baropodometry method was used, which allows objectifying the studies taking into account static and dynamic components. During the study, the main spatial-temporal step cycle parameters were determined: cadence, double and lonely support periods, half-step and step length, step time and speed, claudication index, as well as load distribution and contact area between the feet, relative lengthening of the foot in dynamics. To evaluate the elastic foot characteristics, the elasticity coefficients and deformation, as well as the Young modulus, were calculated. Results. Analysis of space-time characteristics of gait cycle of both subject groups showed a decrease in the step speed in the group of sick children, an increase in the step time, a significant decrease in cadence with an increase in the step length and a decrease in the double support time with a significant increase in the single support time. Analysis of the foot elastics properties at both groups of subjects showed a significant increase in the coefficient of elasticity and Young modulus in the group of healthy children compared with the other group while simultaneously reducing the deformation coefficient of the foot in the healthy group. Conclusions. It is discovered that foot elastic properties and gait cycle biomechanical parameters evaluation can be successfully used for foot condition monitoring, establishing the diagnosis and the effectiveness of various methods of treating flat-valgus foot deformity in children.