The impact of walking speed on the kinetic behaviour of different foot joints

Abstract

BackgroundThe foot and ankle complex consists of multiple joints which have been hypothesized to fulfill a significant role in the lower limb kinetic chain during human locomotion. Walking speed is known to affect the lower limb kinetic chain function. Yet, this effect still has to be investigated throughout multiple joints of the foot and ankle complex. Research questionWhat is the effect of walking speed on the kinetic behaviour of multiple joints of the foot and ankle complex? MethodsThis observational cross-sectional study investigated 15 asymptomatic male subjects. A three-and four-segment kinetic foot model was used to calculate power output and mechanical work during normal and high walking speed. One-dimensional Statistical Parametric Mapping (1D-SPM) linear regression was performed to examine the relationship between walking speed and kinetic data. Effect size calculations (Cohen’s D) were included to quantify the amount of effect that walking speed has on power output and mechanical work in multiple foot joints. ResultsThree-segment kinetic measurements showed a significant positive correlation between walking speed and power output in the ankle (p = 0.003) and first metatarsophalangeal joint (p = 0.0007). Peak power generation increased in the ankle (d = 1.59), chopart (d = 1.51) and first metatarsophalangeal (d = 1.25) joints during high-speed walking. The three joints combined produced net +0.097 J/kg in normal and +0.201 J/kg in high-speed walking. Four-segment kinetic measurements showed a significant positive correlation between walking speed and power output at the ankle (p = 0.036), chopart (p = 0.0001), lisfranc (p < 0.0001) and first metatarsophalangeal (p = 0.0063) joints. Peak power generation increased in the ankle (d = 1.32), chopart (d = 1.27), lisfranc (d = 1.22) and first metatarsophalangeal (d = 1.47) joints during high-speed walking. Four joints combined produced net +0.162 J/kg in normal and +0.261 J/kg in high-speed walking. SignificanceThese results add additional insight into foot function during increased walking speed.