The effects of walking speed on forefoot, hindfoot and ankle joint motion

Dubbeldam R, Buurke JH, Simons C, Groothuis-Oudshoorn CGM, Baan H, Nene AV, Hermens HJ

Research article (journal) | Peer reviewed

Abstract

Background: Foot and ankle joint kinematic differences have been identified between healthy subjects and subjects with various pathologies suffering from foot and ankle impairments. Changes in temporal factors such as walking speed and double stance time are also found in these pathological conditions. As such, in theory, these factors would also influence the kinematics and hence make it difficult to ascertain the effects of the disease on the kinematics. The aim of this study was to analyse foot and ankle kinematics from gait recordings of healthy subjects walking at comfortable and slower speeds. Methods: Gait patterns of 14 healthy subjects were recorded. The subjects were first asked to walk at a comfortable speed and then at predefined speeds of 75{\%} and 50{\%} of their comfortable walking speed respectively. Temporal variables were calculated. Foot and ankle joint kinematics were determined from marker-recordings. Findings: The subjects walked at mean velocities of 1.28 m/s, 0.97 m/s and 0.65 m/s. With decreasing walking speed the minimum tibio-talar plantar-flexion and maximum hallux dorsi-flexion at toe-off decreased significantly between 3?? and 9??. The minimum medial arch at toe-off and minimum midfoot supination at mid-stance were significantly affected by the walking speed. The corresponding individual session differences were small (1??-2??), but the reliability was high and hence the differences were considered clinically relevant. Interpretation: Walking speed significantly affected foot and ankle kinematics. Studies aiming to improve the understanding of the effects of foot and ankle pathologies on foot and ankle kinematics should take the walking speed into account. ?? 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Details about the publication

JournalClinical Biomechanics (Clin Biomech)
Volume25
Issue8
Page range796-801
StatusPublished
Release year2010
Language in which the publication is writtenEnglish
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.06.007
Link to the full texthttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.06.007
KeywordsFoot and ankle kinematics; Gait analysis; Healthy subjects

Authors from the University of Münster

Dubbeldam, Rosemary
Professorship for Motion Science (Prof. Wagner)