Movement Of Foot Research Articles

Talar and Calcaneal Coordinate Axes Definitions across Foot Pathologies

The understanding of foot and ankle biomechanics is improving as new technology provides more detailed information about the motion of foot and ankle bones with biplane fluoroscopy, as well as the ability to analyze the hindfoot under weightbearing conditions with weightbearing computed tomography. Three-dimensional anatomical coordinate systems are necessary to describe the 3D alignment and kinematics of the foot and ankle. The lack of standard coordinate systems across research study sites can significantly alter experimental data analyses used for pre-surgical evaluation and post-operative outcome assessments. Clinical treatment paradigms are changing based on the expanding knowledge of complex pes planovalgus morphologies or progressive collapsing foot deformity, which is present in both neurologic and non-neurologic populations. Four patient cohorts were created from 10 flexible PCFD, 10 rigid PCFD, 10 adult cerebral palsy, and 10 asymptomatic control patients. Six coordinate systems were tested on both the talus and calcaneus for all groups. The aim of this study was to evaluate axes definitions for the subtalar joint across four different patient populations to determine the influence of morphology on the implementation of previously defined coordinate systems. Different morphologic presentations from various pathologies have a substantial impact on coordinate system definitions, given that numerous axes definitions are defined through geometric fits or manual landmark selection. Automated coordinate systems that align with clinically relevant anatomic planes are preferred. Principal component axes are automatic, but do not align with clinically relevant planes and should not be used for such analysis where anatomic planes are critical.

Graphene Sterically-Wrapped textile piezoresistive Sensors: A spray coating path for synergistically advancing sensitivity and response range

Trade-off between a high sensitivity and a broad sensing range remains a persistent challenge for flexible pressure sensors. Not to suffer from this dilemma, a flexible textile piezoresistive sensor sterically-wrapped with graphene by spray coating is reported, which constructs enriched three-dimensional conductive networks from leather fabric’s inherent fibers and pore structures, synergistically advancing the sensitivity and response range. Such a sensor renders bulky spatial deformation and augmented pressure-induced conducting paths, and hence affords an ultra-high sensitivity of 259.6 kPa−1(0–100 kPa) and an exceptional response range of up to 1 MPa. Besides, the graphene/textile sensor demonstrates outstanding durability (>12000 cycles). With these advantages, real-time monitoring of human physiological activities such as wrist pulses and throat swallowing is successfully achieved. Benefitting from the scalability of the spraying methodology, a large-size 45 × 45 cm2 sensing array with a 32 × 32 matrix is facilely fabricated to map the spatial pressure of human interactive behaviors for ergonomics. And smart insoles incorporating graphene/textile sensors can capture plantar pressure distribution and provide effective analysis for diverse static/dynamic movements of feet. Such spray-coated textile sensors could not only find potential applications in wearable electronics and intelligent robotics, but also open the possibility of monitoring complex heavy machinery and large-scale infrastructures.

Differences and relationships between weightbearing and non-weightbearing dorsiflexion range of motion in foot and ankle injuries

BackgroundThis study aimed to: (1) identify assessment methods that can detect greater ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DROM) limitation in the injured limb; (2) determine whether differences in weightbearing measurements exist even in the absence of DROM limitations in the injured limb according to non-weightbearing measurements; and (3) examine associations between DROM in the weightbearing and non-weightbearing positions and compare those between a patient group with foot and ankle injuries and a healthy group.MethodsEighty-two patients with foot and ankle injuries (e.g., fractures, ligament and tendon injuries) and 49 healthy individuals participated in this study. Non-weightbearing DROM was measured under two different conditions: prone position with knee extended and prone position with knee flexed. Weightbearing DROM was measured as the tibia inclination angle (weightbearing angle) and distance between the big toe and wall (weightbearing distance) at maximum dorsiflexion. The effects of side (injured, uninjured) and measurement method on DROM in the patient groups were assessed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and t-tests. Pearson correlations between measurements were assessed. In addition, we analyzed whether patients without non-weightbearing DROM limitation (≤ 3 degrees) showed limitations in weightbearing DROM using t-tests with Bonferroni correction.ResultsDROM in patient groups differed significantly between legs with all measurement methods (all: P < 0.001), with the largest effect size for weightbearing angle (d = 0.95). Patients without non-weightbearing DROM limitation (n = 37) displayed significantly smaller weightbearing angle and weightbearing distance on the injured side than on the uninjured side (P < 0.001 each), with large effect sizes (d = 0.97–1.06). Correlation coefficients between DROM in non-weightbearing and weightbearing positions were very weak (R = 0.17, P = 0.123) to moderate (R = 0.26–0.49, P < 0.05) for the patient group, and moderate to strong for the healthy group (R = 0.51–0.69, P < 0.05).ConclusionsDROM limitations due to foot and ankle injuries may be overlooked if measurements are only taken in the non-weightbearing position and should also be measured in the weightbearing position. Furthermore, DROM measurements in non-weightbearing and weightbearing positions may assess different characteristics, particularly in patient group.Level of evidenceLevel IV, cross-sectional study.

A balanced jumping control algorithm for quadruped robots

The jumping movement of quadruped robots is crucial, so a complete set of balanced jumping algorithms is proposed in this paper due to the flaws of the current jumping algorithms. The proposed algorithm includes trajectory planning of the Center of Mass(CoM) and four jumping phases, illustrating the jumping process in detail. Tasks that a quadruped robot with the height of 0.6 m jumps up a step with the height of 0.3 m, 0.4 m, 0.5 m and 0.6 m are the research object. Optimal Parabola Trajectory of CoM(OPTC) is solved by about ten iterations based on the fastest approaching strategy before jumping. During the first phase of jumping, Ground Reaction Forces(GRFs) are precisely distributed to control six Degrees of Freedom(DoFs) based on symmetric six-dimensional spatial mechanics decoupling solution, controlling the robot to adjust itself to the best ejecting posture. The maximum displacement error is less than 0.005 m. During the second phase, full-leg ejection is implemented to eject, guaranteeing that the robot accurately tracks the OPTC after takeoff by updating proportional virtual forces. The tracking Mean Square Error(MSE) is less than 0.06. During the third phase, the flying attitude is adjusted by swinging leg theory summarized in the paper, with the maximum pitch angle less than 4.5°. Meanwhile, the theoretical landing points of feet are calculated to lead the movement of feet, ensuring a soft landing to reduce touchdown impact. The momentary landing velocities of feet are less than 0.09 m/s. During the fourth phase, the robot buffers and brakes to a static state based on the algorithm used in the first phase. Eventually, the proposed algorithms are verified through simulating experiments on Webots physical engine, and the effectiveness and feasibility are validated by the experimental results.

The Effectiveness of Two Types of Night Splints on the Range of Motion of the Ankle Joint, Pain Intensity, and Quality of Life (QoL) in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis: A Pilot Study With Parallel Groups

Objective Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The night splints are used to prevent nocturnal contractures happening in the calf muscles and plantar fascia. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of using a tension night splint for calf and plantar fascia on the range of motion of foot and ankle complex, pain severity, and quality of life. Materials &amp; Methods 30 people (27 female) with plantar fasciitis volunteered in a parallel-group clinical study. Participants were allocated to three study groups: a tension calf splint, a tension plantar fascia splint, and a control group (heel pad). The study outcomes were the range of motion of foot and ankle complex, pain severity, and quality of life measured with a goniometer, visual analog scale, and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, respectively. The post-session was four weeks after participants received their interventions. The analysis of covariance statistical test was used to analyze the within and between-group differences. Results The analysis of covariance test showed statistically significant differences for pain (F=9.35, P=0.001, η2=0.44) and extension of the first metatarsophalangeal (F=4.76, P=0.017, η2=0.27). There was no statistically significant difference in the quality of life and the ankle dorsiflexion range between groups (P&gt;0.05). The Bonferroni post-hoc showed a significant reduction of the reported pain post-session in all study groups (P&lt;0.05). The calf tension splint caused a greater extension of the first metatarsophalangeal post-session (P=0.02). Conclusion All three orthoses used in this study significantly reduced pain in people with plantar fasciitis. The results also suggest that a tension calf splint has greater effectiveness in improving pain severity and soft tissue flexibility than a tension fascia splint.

Cortical mu rhythms during action and passive music listening.

Brain systems supporting body movement are active during music listening in the absence of overt movement. This covert motor activity is not well understood, but some theories propose a role in auditory timing prediction facilitated by motor simulation. One question is how music-related covert motor activity relates to motor activity during overt movement. We address this question using scalp electroencephalogram by measuring mu rhythms-cortical field phenomena associated with the somatomotor system that appear over sensorimotor cortex. Lateralized mu enhancement over hand sensorimotor cortex during/just before foot movement in foot versus hand movement paradigms is thought to reflect hand movement inhibition during current/prospective movement of another effector. Behavior of mu during music listening with movement suppressed has yet to be determined. We recorded 32-channel EEG (n = 17) during silence without movement, overt movement (foot/hand), and music listening without movement. Using an independent component analysis-based source equivalent dipole clustering technique, we identified three mu-related clusters, localized to left primary motor and right and midline premotor cortices. Right foot tapping was accompanied by mu enhancement in the left lateral source cluster, replicating previous work. Music listening was accompanied by similar mu enhancement in the left, as well as midline, clusters. We are the first, to our knowledge, to report, and also to source-resolve, music-related mu modulation in the absence of overt movements. Covert music-related motor activity has been shown to play a role in beat perception (Ross JM, Iversen JR, Balasubramaniam R. Neurocase 22: 558-565, 2016). Our current results show enhancement in somatotopically organized mu, supporting overt motor inhibition during beat perception.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We are the first to report music-related mu enhancement in the absence of overt movements and the first to source-resolve mu activity during music listening. We suggest that music-related mu modulation reflects overt motor inhibition during passive music listening. This work is relevant for the development of theories relating to the involvement of covert motor system activity for predictive beat perception.

Role of Tibial Anterior Tendon Transfer Total or Split in Management of Relapsed Club Foot

ABSTRACT Background: Congenital club foot currently treated by Ponseti technique with excellent long-term outcome. However relapsed deformity developed due to non compliance of bracing wear, evertor, and invertor imbalance. Objectives: Prospective study are the full ,and split tibialis anterior transfer can be correct relapsed club foot following Ponseti technique for idiopathic club foot . Patients ,and Methods: this study was planned to evaluate radiological and functional results of tibialis anterior tendon transfer for relapsed club foot deformity after Ponseti, in 16 patients with 20 feet ,the period of follow up was at least 6 months, The average age of the patients was 6 years, ranging from3 to 9 years, 14 of them were males,6 of them were females. Results: 20 feet with satisfactory results including 13 excellent cases and 7 good cases Thus satisfactory results were found in 20 patients (100%), ,and no unsatisfactory ones. In this study, although there was significant improvement of, anterior talo first metatarsal angle (TFMA1) ,and anterior talocalcaneal angle (Kite’s angle) (TCA1) there was no significant correlation between radiological ,and functional end results. Tibialis anterior transfer has to be effective procedure in relapsed deformity, range of motion of foot and muscle function of children. Conclusion: tibialis tendon transfer either total or split can effectively correct relapsed club foot after management by Ponseti technique. Keywords: club foot , relapsed club foot ,total or split tibialis anterior tendon transfer.

Comparison of the Plantar Pressure and Foot Function and Range of Motion in Distance Runners With the Normal, Pronated, and Supinated Feet During Static Standing

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the foot function, range of motion, plantar pressure, and plantar contact area in the distance runners with normal, pronated, highly-pronated, supinated, and highly-supinated foot posture groups during static standing.Materials and Methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study, a total of 75 distance runners were divided into 5 groups using the foot posture index. The foot function and knee and foot range of motion were assessed using the Foot And Ankle Ability Measure questionnaire (FAAM) and the goniometer, respectively. The mean of the plantar pressure percentage and the mean of the contact area on the forefoot and rearfoot were investigated during static standing. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the outcomes between the groups.Results: Among the groups, the normal foot group showed the highest scores in the activities of daily living subscale and sport subscale. Compared with the other groups, the highly-pronated foot group had a significantly greater range of motion in the ankle plantar flexion (P&lt;0.002), and the normal foot group showed more range of motion in the first metatarsophalangeal extension (P&lt;0.0001). In all groups, the mean plantar pressure percentage on the rearfoot was greater than the mean plantar pressure percentage on the forefoot. Of the groups, the highly-supinated foot group showed the highest plantar pressure percentage on the rearfoot (P&lt;0.0001). However, the highly-pronated foot group showed the highest plantar pressure percentage and the largest contact area on the forefoot (P&lt;0.0001) and the rearfoot (P&gt;0.0001), respectively.Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the foot posture is an important option that could affect function and range of motion of foot and ankle and distribution of the plantar pressure and plantar contact area.

Extensor digitorum tendon rupture after anterior ankle arthroscopy

Aim: The aim of this paper is to increase awareness of orthopaedic surgeons about an uncommon yet possible complication of ankle arthroscopy – iatrogenic extensor digitorum rupture. Ankle arthroscopy is becoming more widespread and according to the literature, the complication rate varies from 9% up to 17%. Case report: We are presenting a case of 32-year old police officer who recreationally plays soccer. The patient presented with clear signs of anterior ankle impingement confirmed by X-ray and the MRI. During ankle arthroscopy massive tibial and talar bone spurs were found with significant synovial reaction, nearly 10 loose intraarticular bodies and syndesmotic ossification. The patient was placed in a walking boot and early postoperative recovery went as planned. Physical therapy started 14 days after the procedure. Five weeks after the surgery while dorsiflexing his fingers patient felt a "snap" over his ankle followed by swelling. He couldn't dorsiflex his fingers afterwards. MRI showed a rupture of the common extensor digitorum tendon. The patient was treated with open reconstruction of the tendon and lower leg immobilisation for 6 weeks followed by physical therapy and partial weight bearing. The patient made a full recovery. Conclusion: It is of the utmost importance to keep in mind that ankle arthroscopy alongside it's obvious benefits is not void of complications. Iatrogenic tendon lesion is always possible and should be suspected with any loss of movement in foot and ankle after the procedure. Urgent MRI and immediate reconstruction showed good results in our case.

Multi-Segmental Motion in Foot during Counter-Movement Jump with Toe Manipulation

Human toes are crucial for vertical jumping performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the acute effect of hallux abduction manipulation on foot inter-segment kinematic alterations and plantar loading redistribution during the countermovement jump (CMJ). Thirteen participants were recruited to join in this experiment, for the collection of the foot inter-segment kinematics and plantar pressure data. During the take-off phase, the contact area presented a significant increase while the pressure-time integral decreased in the second metatarsal (M2), whilst the third metatarsal (M3) and fourth metatarsal (M4) decreased significantly in pressure-time integral with Toe-Manipulation (TM). During the landing phase, maximum force and peak pressure were smaller in the big toe (BT) after hallux abduction manipulation. HXFFA (hallux-forefoot angle) showed a greater pronation after manipulation in the frontal plane (0%–26% and 50%–100%) with p = 0.002 and p &lt; 0.001. In the transverse plane, the smaller adductions were found during 62%–82% in take-off and 62%–91% in landing (p = 0.003 and p &lt; 0.001). There was a redistributed plantar loading during the landing phase from the medial to lateral forefoot. However, a reduced hallux range of motion in the TM session was exhibited, compared to Non-Toe-Manipulation (NTM).

Development of intention identification method for walking direction by movement of foot

Development of intention identification method for walking direction by movement of foot

Zylkéne to load? The effects of alpha-casozepine on compliance and coping in horses during loading

Horses are routinely transported for access to safe off-road riding, veterinary care, breeding, sale, or moving to a new home environment. However, transport is a known stressor in horses. For this reason, problem behavior when loading is a commonly reported issue, which presents risks to handlers and horse welfare. Existing literature and manufacturers' recommendations suggests that alpha-casozepine may be effective in improving the behavior and welfare of horses during loading onto a vehicle for transport. The present article aims to assess the behavioral and physiological effects of a commercially available alpha-casozepine feed supplement (Zylkéne Equine) in horses during loading and confinement on a transport lorry. Subjects (n = 10) were loaded once with the supplement and once without, in a balanced random order with each subject acted as their own control. The handler was blind to treatment. Time to load onto the lorry, and movement of feet, licking and chewing, and vocalizing within the lorry were recorded as behavioral indicators of compliance and coping. Heart rate, heart rate variability, salivary cortisol, and infrared thermography of both core temperature and the discrepancy between eyes, were measured as indicators of arousal. There were no significant differences in physiology between treatment and control (P > 0.05). Treatment resulted in a significantly shorter loading time than control (P = 0.04); however, the actual difference in median time was only 0.45 seconds. No other behavioral indicator differed between treatment and control (P > 0.05). Power analysis revealed the sample was sufficient to detect a significant effect. Where modest effects were observed for a small number of variables, treatment effect contradicted predictions. Taken together, this indicates that alpha-casozepine does not affect a horse's ability to cope with loading and confinement in a horse lorry. Further work is required to ascertain whether the maximum dosage—twice that used here—might affect coping and behavior in horses.

Gait analysis using the Oxford Foot Model for ankle arthrodesis compared with normal control

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Ankle arthrodesis is still the primary treatment for end-stage arthritis of the ankle that does not respond to conservative treatment. However, comparative studies demonstrated that the patients’ functional outcomes remain significantly lower than normal, progression of subtalar and midfoot arthritis and there could be measurable abnormalities in their gait parameters. Previous studies demonstrated gait analysis after ankle arthrodesis using 3D motion capture system. These studies used a single segment foot model, which had the limitation of detailed motion analysis. 3D multi-segmental foot model enables to perform detailed analysis segmentally such as fore foot and hind foot. The purpose of this study was to examine foot kinematics during walking after ankle arthrodesis using 3D multi-segment foot model as compared with a healthy control group. Methods: Between 2014 and 2016, nine patients who underwent an isolated ankle arthrodesis were followed for a mean 2 years after surgery, and five control subjects were included for comparison. Physical examination, radiographic examination and gait examination were performed. For gait analysis Vicon Nexus system with 16 MX-Cameras was used to capture foot kinematics during barefoot walking at self-selected speed along a 10 m walkway. Markers were placed according to the Oxford Foot Model (OFM). Patients completed preoperative and annual postoperative functional outcome scores including the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale. Results: JSSF scale was significantly improved from pre-operation to post-operation (50 points versus 85 points; p&lt;0.05). The range of sagittal motion in hind foot during one gait cycle was significantly smaller in the arthrodesis group than in the healthy group (4.6 degrees versus 20 degrees; p&lt;0.05). The range of coronal motion in hind foot was also significantly smaller in the arthrodesis group than that in the healthy group (3.7 degrees versus 15.1 degrees; p&lt;0.05). There was no significant difference in the range of sagittal motion in forefoot between arthrodesis group and healthy group (20.2 degrees versus 16.6 degrees). However, there were significant differences at heel contact. Forefoot in arthrodesis group was significantly toward plantarflexion (6.1 degrees versus -2.0 degrees; p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: In this study, detailed motion of foot after ankle arthrodesis could be analyzed by using OFM. Range of sagittal motion in hind foot in arthrodesis group during one gait cycle was significantly smaller than that in healthy group. However, no significant difference was observed in the forefoot. The same result was also obtained on the frontal plane. In arthrodesis group, forefoot tended to be more plantarflexion than healthy group in gait, especially there was significant difference at heel contact. These findings suggested to cause lower functional outcomes and the progression of subtalar and midfoot arthritis after ankle arthrodesis.

To the construction of optimal motions of controlled mechanical systems

The solution of optimal control problems for mechanical systems is an important practical problem. For the solution of the optimization problem can be used the necessary conditions of the extremum in the form of the maximum principle of L.S. Pontryagin. However, the direct solution of the boundary value problem of maximum principle associated to large computational difficulties. This is due to the nonlinearity of the dynamic system of equations, the need for chose a reasonable first approximation for the conjugate variables at initial time moment, the need for a joint integrate of both the primary and the conjugate system with simultaneous selection of control function from the condition of maximum of the Hamiltonian. The latter circumstance often degrades (or breaks) the properties of continuous dependence of the residuals of the boundary value problem (usually, the values of the conjugate variables in a finite time moment) of variable parameters (typically, the values of the conjugate variables at initial time moment). The effective technology for the study of mechanical systems is developed in the article. The core technology is the integrated use of Direct Optimization Methods for dynamic systems (the method of successive linearization and its modifications); Methods of Solution of Boundary Value Problems (standard methods, based on the many times numerical solution of the system of algebraic equations that provide the required boundary conditions of the maximum principle); Qualitative Methods of study the structure of optimal control functions; Methods for constructing “exact” optimal control function, taking into account the features previously identified properties of the optimal control functions (methods of parametrization of the set of control function); Construction of Simple Techniques to calculate optimal motions of mechanical systems. The results of solution of the following tasks are presented: the problem of optimal control the maximum of angle of rotation of the excavator - dragline on a fixed time interval with finite damping of the oscillations occurring bifilar suspended from the boom of the bucket; the problem of optimal control for movement of foot of the walking machine when it step over through the obstacle.

A comparative study on the mechanical energy of the normal, ACL, osteoarthritis, and Parkinson subjects.

The influence of various musculoskeletal disorders has been evaluated using different kinetic and kinematic parameters. But the efficiency of walking can be evaluated by measuring the effort of the subject, or by other words the energy that is required to walk. The aim of this study was to identify mechanical energy differences between the normal and pathological groups. Four groups of 15 healthy subjects, 13 Parkinson subjects, 4 osteoarthritis subjects, and 4 ACL reconstructed subjects have participated in this study. The motions of foot, shank and thigh were recorded using a three dimensional motion analysis system. The kinetic, potential and total mechanical energy of each segment was calculated using 3D markers positions and anthropometric measurements. Maximum value and sample entropy of energies was compared between the normal and abnormal subjects. Maximum value of potential energy of OA subjects was lower than the normal subjects. Furthermore, sample entropy of mechanical energy for Parkinson subjects was low in comparison to the normal subjects while sample entropy of mechanical energy for the ACL subjects was higher than that of the normal subjects. Findings of this study suggested that the subjects with different abilities show different mechanical energy during walking.

Is There a Predictable Value of the Drop Vertical Jump Test for Running Gait Injury Risk?

PURPOSE: A three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis of running gait is often used to identify modifiable lower extremity biomechanical risk factors, but can be time consuming and costly. The Drop Vertical Jump (DVJ) test when combined with the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) can easily be done in the field to assess lower extremity coordination and injury risk. The purpose of this study was to determine if correlations existed between biomechanical variables of the DVJ and a 3D gait analysis. Positive findings would indicate that the DVJ may serve as a simple surrogate for the running analysis to quickly screen for lower extremity injury risk. METHODS: 24 runners (26.1 ± 8.6 yrs; 27.7 ± 11.3 miles/wk; 16 Male, 8 Female) participated. During one testing session, a 3D motion analysis and an instrumented treadmill were used to capture and determine lower extremity kinematics, ground reaction forces (GRF) and knee moments during the gait cycle. Subjects completed five DVJs and a gait analysis at a self-selected running speed (6.7 ± 0.9 mph). Data were gathered on the dominant leg for both the DVJ and the gait analysis (1 left dominant). LESS scores were calculated through frontal and sagittal plane videos of the DVJ using a score from 22 items. Individual LESS items were selected based on similar measures that could be captured in the 3D gait analysis: asymmetric motion of feet and knees in the sagittal and frontal planes, foot contact patterns and overall impression. RESULTS: Significant associations existed between maximal knee flexion angle (sagittal plane 3D running) and overall LESS score (r=-.791; p<0001). There were no other significant associations between lower extremity kinematics, GRFs and knee moments and LESS items and overall score. There were also no significant associations between DVJ biomechanical variables and the 3D gait measures. CONCLUSION: Contrary to our expectation, associations between 3D gait, DVJ and LESS were minimal. A possible explanation could be that the dual-leg DVJ test may not be able to account for factors of balance and stability that are critical for the single-leg nature of running. A single-leg DVJ may be a more accurate field test when predicting running-related injuries.

Inter-Segmental Foot Kinematics During Gait in Elderly Females with Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Hallux Valgus

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: Hallux valgus (HV) is a common condition that may lead to considerable pain and disability. While a number of gait analyses of people with and without HV have been performed using planter pressures, the results to date are not in agreement. In the last two decades, several multi-segmental foot models (MFMs) have been introduced for the in vivo analysis of dynamic foot kinematics. Although there are some investigations about triplanar multisegmental of patients with HV, there were lack of age and gender matched comparison of inter-segmental foot motions in previous reports. The objective of this study was to find the effect of hallux valgus deformity on inter-segmental motion of the foot by comparisons with age and gender controlled healthy adults using a multi-segmental foot model (MFM) with 15-marker set. Methods: Eighteen female symptomatic hallux valgus patients (SHV group) and 50 female symptom-free older female participants who had normal function of the foot and ankle and no radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis were included in this study. Symptom-free participants were divided into asymptomatic hallux valgus group (AHV, n=14) and control group (CON, n=36). For radiographic examinations, hallux valgus angle was measured using standing anteroposterior radiograph of the foot. The temporal gait parameters such as the cadence, speed, stride length, step width, step time, and proportion of stance phase were calculated. Segmental foot kinematics evaluated using a 3D MFM of a 15-marker set (Foot3D model). Inter-segmental angles (ISA) (hindfoot relative to tibia, forefoot to hindfoot, and hallux to forefoot) were calculated at each time points (100 time points for whole gait cycle). The ISAs (position) at specific phases of gait cycle, the change of ISA (motion) between phases and range of ISAs during the whole gait cycle were calculated and compared among groups. Results: Basic demographic data was no significant difference among groups except HV angle and foot width. The speed, stride length were significantly lower in SHV group. The proportion of the stance phase in a gait cycle was longer SHV group. Range of motion (ROM) of sagittal plane of hallux and transverse plane of forefoot was lower in SHV group. Significantly different finding in SHV group included more dorsiflexed position of hallux segment, reduced forefoot abduction motion during terminal stance and loss of push off during preswing(Figure 1). However, when we compared AHV group and CON group, there was no difference in temporal gait parameters and ROM of inter-segmental motions of foot. Hallux segment was in more valgus position and the forefoot segment was in more pronated position in AHV group than in CON group. Conclusion: Symptomatic hallux valgus patients showed different gait parameters &amp; inter-segmental motion during gait when compared with age-matched controls. Asymptomatic hallux valgus does not affect gait &amp; inter-segmental motion during gait except that the hallux segment was in more valgus position and the forefoot segment was in more pronated position. The results of this study suggest that effect of moderate hallux valgus itself on foot kinematics might be limited while pain or arthritic change of the joint might cause changes in gait in patients with symptomatic HV.

ジャイロ効果による歩行時の進行方向誘導

In this paper, we propose a method that unconsciously makes people walk slightly different direction by using gyro moment. We use rotational disks mounted on user’s feet to control their direction intentionally. Two rotational axes: one is rotational motion of foot while walking and the other one is the rotating disks of the proposed device, induces gyro moment. Then the landing angle of their foot is controlled depending on the rotational direction of the disks. Walking direction is assumed to follow the toe directions. As an application, a user can walk in a large VR space in a limited real space by the support of this device.

The impact of body fat on three dimensional motion of the paediatric foot during walking

Childhood obesity is commonly associated with a pes planus foot type and altered lower limb joint function during walking. However, limited information has been reported on dynamic intersegment foot motion with the level of obesity in children. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between intersegment foot motion during gait and body fat in boys age 7–11 years.Fat mass was measured in fifty-five boys using air displacement plethysmography. Three-dimensional gait analysis was conducted on the right foot of each participant using the 3DFoot model to capture angular motion of the shank, calcaneus, midfoot and metatarsals. Two multivariate statistical techniques were employed; principle component analysis reduced the multidimensional nature of gait analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis accounted for potential confounding factors.Higher fat mass predicted greater plantarflexion of the calcaneus during the first half and end of stance phase and at the end of swing phase. Greater abduction of the calcaneus throughout stance and swing was predicted by greater fat mass. At the midfoot, higher fat mass predicted greater dorsiflexion and eversion throughout the gait cycle.The findings present novel information on the relationships between intersegment angular motion of the foot and body fat in young boys. The data indicates a more pronated foot type in boys with greater body fat. These findings have clinical implications for pes planus and a predisposition for pain and discomfort during weight bearing activities potentially reducing motivation in obese children to be physically active.

Painful legs and moving toes syndrome

Painful legs and moving toes syndrome (PLMT) is a rare movement disorder with low diagnostic rate, which is characterized by lower limb pain with involuntary movements of feet or toes. Etiology and pathogenesis of this disease is still unclear. Patients have different clinical manifestations, so the diagnosis is difficult. Treatment methods for PLMT are numerous, but so far the treatment of this disease is still a major challenge for clinicians. Further research is still needed to guide clinical work. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2015.10.013