Assessment of foot and ankle kinematics in Rheumatoid arthritis: consistency, repeatability and model simulation

Dubbeldam, R; Buurke, JH; Nene, AV; Baan, H; Drossaers-Bakker, KW; Van de Laar, MAFJ; Hermens H.

Zusammenfassung

Introduction. Gait analysis methods are currently applied to improve the understanding of foot and ankle impairments in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of foot marker placement variations on gait kinematics using a 5-segment foot and ankle model simulation study for RA subjects. Method. Gait of three RA subjects with moderate to severe foot and ankle impairments was recorded repeatedly in three sessions. The between-day results were evaluated for changes in the joint range of motion for assessed foot and ankle joints. Marker placement variations were simulated in a model simulation study using one of the measured RA subjects as input. Insight, attained from this simulation study, was used to understand the differences in results in the between-day measurements. Results. In the model simulation and between-day measurements, variations in pattern (up to 5 degrees) and differences in offset (up to 15 degrees) were found in joint range of motion. These variations could be explained by differences in initial marker location, as well as by variations in walking speed and stride length.