Relationship between rearfoot and forefoot orientation and ground reaction forces during running

Abstract

In this study, footprint and ground reaction forces (GRF) were simultaneously recorded from 32 male subjects running barefoot. Angle between the rearfoot and the forefoot in static (alpha S) and in running (alpha R) conditions, and orientation of both, rearfoot (alpha rf) and forefoot (alpha ff) with the direction of running (DOR), were measured and correlated to selected GRF parameters. The dynamic rearfoot/forefoot angle (alpha R) was correlated, positively with arch deformation (r = 0.58, P < 0.001), vertical Fz loading peak (r = 0.60, P < 0.001), mediolateral, and anteroposterior force rates (r = 0.47 and 0.48, P < 0.01), and negatively with stance time (r = -0.41, P < 0.05) and total course of the force application point path (r = -0.71, P < 0.001). Both a medial and a lateral rotation were observed on footprint between the rearfoot and the forefoot in the horizontal plane. A medially rotated forefoot ("closed foot") was associated to a rigid and inverted foot, whereas a laterally rotated forefoot ("open foot") was associated to a flexible and everted foot.