Effect of gait speed on the movements of the shank, the hindfoot, and the forefoot

Abstract

[Purpose] The foot model which consists of the hindfoot and the forefoot was used to determine the effect of gait speed on the movement of each part of the foot. [Subjects] Ten healthy male subjects participated in this study. [Methods] The subjects were instructed to walk at slow, preferred, and fast speeds. Their gait was measured by a 3D motion capture system and the relative angles of the hindfoot to the shank (HF/TB) and the forefoot to the hindfoot (FF/HF) were calculated. 3D angles and timing of the maximum angle in the stance phase were analyzed. [Results] As gait speed increased, the maximum plantarflexion angle of HF/TB and FF/HF increased, and the dorsiflexion of HF/TB occurred earlier in the stance phase. [Conclusion] Gait speed affects the degree of plantarflexion of the hindfoot and the forefoot, and the timing of the maximum dorsiflexion of the hindfoot.