The Effects of Orthotic Intervention on Multisegment Foot Kinematics and Plantar Fascia Strain in Recreational Runners

Chronic injuries are a common complaint in recreational runners. Foot orthoses have been shown to be effective for the treatment of running injuries but their mechanical effects are still not well understood. This study aims to examine the influence of orthotic intervention on multisegment foot kinematics and plantar fascia strain during running. Fifteen male participants ran at 4.0 m·s−1 with and without orthotics. Multisegment foot kinematics and plantar fascia strain were obtained during the stance phase and contrasted using paired t tests. Relative coronal plane range of motion of the midfoot relative to the rearfoot was significantly reduced with orthotics (1.0°) compared to without (2.2°). Similarly, relative transverse plane range of motion was significantly lower with orthotics (1.1°) compared to without (1.8°). Plantar fascia strain did not differ significantly between orthotic (7.1) and nonorthotic (7.1) conditions. This study shows that although orthotics did not serve to reduce plantar fascia strain, they are able to mediate reductions in coronal and transverse plane rotations of the midfoot.

Download Full-text

IMU-Based Effects Assessment of the Use of Foot Orthoses in the Stance Phase during Running and Asymmetry between Extremities

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21093277 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (9) ◽

pp. 3277

Author(s):

Juan Luis Florenciano Restoy ◽

Jordi Solé-Casals ◽

Xantal Borràs-Boix

Keyword(s):

Contact Time ◽

Stance Phase ◽

Inertial Sensors ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Plantar Flexion ◽

Foot Orthoses ◽

Foot Kinematics ◽

Running Injuries ◽

The Right ◽

Movement Differences

The objectives of this study were to determine the amplitude of movement differences and asymmetries between feet during the stance phase and to evaluate the effects of foot orthoses (FOs) on foot kinematics in the stance phase during running. In total, 40 males were recruited (age: 43.0 ± 13.8 years, weight: 72.0 ± 5.5 kg, height: 175.5 ± 7.0 cm). Participants ran on a running treadmill at 2.5 m/s using their own footwear, with and without the FOs. Two inertial sensors fixed on the instep of each of the participant’s footwear were used. Amplitude of movement along each axis, contact time and number of steps were considered in the analysis. The results indicate that the movement in the sagittal plane is symmetric, but that it is not in the frontal and transverse planes. The right foot displayed more degrees of movement amplitude than the left foot although these differences are only significant in the abduction case. When FOs are used, a decrease in amplitude of movement in the three axes is observed, except for the dorsi-plantar flexion in the left foot and both feet combined. The contact time and the total step time show a significant increase when FOs are used, but the number of steps is not altered, suggesting that FOs do not interfere in running technique. The reduction in the amplitude of movement would indicate that FOs could be used as a preventive tool. The FOs do not influence the asymmetry of the amplitude of movement observed between feet, and this risk factor is maintained. IMU devices are useful tools to detect risk factors related to running injuries. With its use, even more personalized FOs could be manufactured.

Download Full-text

Forefoot Midsole Stiffness Affects Forefoot and Rearfoot Kinematics During the Stance Phase of Gait

Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association ◽

10.7547/0003-0538-104.2.183 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 104 (2) ◽

pp. 183-190 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Renan A. Resende ◽

Sérgio T. Fonseca ◽

Paula L. Silva ◽

Antônio E. Pertence ◽

Renata N. Kirkwood

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Stance Phase ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Angular Displacement ◽

Plantar Fascia ◽

Muscular Contraction ◽

Abduction Angle ◽

Camera Motion ◽

Total Range ◽

Low Stiffness

Background The forefoot midsole stiffness of the shoe may affect the kinematics of the foot segments. We evaluated the effects of two different levels of forefoot midsole stiffness on the angular displacement of the forefoot and rearfoot in the three planes of motion during the stance phase of gait. Methods Thirty-six participants walked on a 10-m walkway at their self-selected speed wearing shoes having either low or high forefoot midsole stiffness. Three-dimensional kinematic data of the foot segments were obtained during the stance phase of gait using an eight-camera motion analysis system synchronized with a force platform. The dependent variables were forefoot and rearfoot total range of motion and maximum and minimum angle values in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes of motion. Results Reduced forefoot midsole stiffness produced significantly greater forefoot total range of motion in the sagittal plane (1.59°). The low-stiffness condition also increased the magnitude of the forefoot dorsiflexion angles (4.14°). Furthermore, the low-stiffness condition increased the magnitude of the rearfoot inversion (1.21°) and adduction (11.38°) angles and reduced the rearfoot abduction angle (12.1°). Conclusions It is likely that reduced stiffness of the forefoot midsole stretched the plantar fascia, increasing rearfoot stability during the stance phase of gait. Increased muscular contraction may also explain increases in rearfoot stability. Therefore, the integrity of the plantar fascia and ankle muscles' force and resistance should be considered when choosing a shoe with reduced or increased forefoot midsole stiffness for walking.

Download Full-text

Bilateral asymmetries and sex differences in the kinematics of running gait cycle of a group of Andalusian recreational runners (Asimetrías y diferencias por sexo en la cinemática del ciclo de carrera en un grupo de corredores recreativos andaluces)

Retos ◽

10.47197/retos.v0i41.85934 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 512-518

Author(s):

Daniel Rojano Ortega ◽

Antonio Jesús Berral Aguilar ◽

Francisco José Berral de la Rosa

Keyword(s):

Sex Differences ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Subtalar Joint ◽

High Speed ◽

Stance Phase ◽

Gait Cycle ◽

Future Research ◽

Time To Peak ◽

Running Injuries ◽

Recreational Runners

Running gait cycle begins when one foot comes in contact with the ground and ends when the same foot contacts the ground again. In a running gait cycle each lower limb has a stance phase and a swing phase. During the stance phase eversion of the subtalar joint is one of the mechanisms used to absorb impact forces. However, excessive rearfoot eversion may contribute to overuse running injuries of the lower limb. It is necessary to provide additional insight on sex differences or differences between dominant and non-dominant limbs in the different phases of the running gait cycle, as well as in the movements of the subtalar joint in the coronal plane. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to determine bilateral asymmetries, sex differences and peak eversion angle in the running gait cycle of recreational runners. 20 recreational runners aged 20 – 28 years (10 males and 10 females) were recorded on a treadmill at a running speed between 11 km/h and 12 km/h with high speed camera at 300 Hz. Males and females showed no significant differences between limbs in any of the variables of interest, indicating no bilateral asymmetries in running gait cycle. Female runners demonstrated a greater time to peak eversion than male runners (36.92 ± 5.79% vs 26.37 ± 5.12%, p < .01) and this may be related to some overuse running injuries that are more prevalent in females. The data obtained in this study may serve as a useful reference for future research. Resumen. Un ciclo de carrera comienza cuando un pie contacta con el suelo y termina cuando el mismo pie contacta con el suelo de forma consecutiva. En un ciclo de carrera cada extremidad inferior tiene una fase de apoyo y una fase de vuelo. Durante la fase de apoyo la pronación de la articulación subastragalina es uno de los mecanismos para absorber las fuerzas de impacto. Sin embargo, una excesiva pronación puede predisponer a lesiones por sobreuso de la extremidad inferior. Son necesarias investigaciones adicionales sobre las diferencias por sexos y las asimetrías en las diferentes fases del ciclo de carrera, así como en los movimientos de la articulación subastragalina. Por tanto, el propósito del presente estudio fue determinar las asimetrías, las diferencias por sexos y la máxima pronación en un ciclo de carrera de corredores recreativos. 20 corredores recreativos de entre 20 y 28 años (10 hombres y 10 mujeres) fueron grabados corriendo en tapiz rodante entre 11 km/h y 12 km/h con una cámara de alta velocidad a 300 Hz. No existieron asimetrías en el ciclo de carrera pues no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre la pierna dominante y la no dominante en ninguna variable. La máxima pronación fue más tardía en mujeres que en hombres (36.92 ± 5.79% vs 26.37 ± 5.12%, p < .01), lo que puede estar relacionado con la mayor prevalencia de ciertas lesiones de la extremidad inferior en mujeres. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio pueden servir de referencia para futuras investigaciones.

Download Full-text

Influence of Custom Foot Orthotic Intervention on Lower Extremity Intralimb Coupling during a 30-Minute Run

Journal of Applied Biomechanics ◽

10.1123/jab.26.4.390 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 390-399 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Christopher L. MacLean ◽

Richard van Emmerik ◽

Joseph Hamill

Keyword(s):

Lower Extremity ◽

Stance Phase ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Frontal Plane ◽

Transverse Plane ◽

Control Group ◽

Foot Orthoses ◽

History Of ◽

Coupling Angle ◽

Foot Orthotic

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of a custom foot orthotic (CFO) intervention on lower extremity intralimb coupling during a 30-min run in a group of injured runners and to compare the results to a control group of healthy runners. Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected during a 30-min run on healthy female runners (Shoe-only) and a group of female runners who had a recent history of overuse injury (Shoe-only and Shoe with custom foot orthoses). Results from the study revealed that the coordination variability and pattern for the some couplings were influenced by history of injury, foot orthotic intervention and the duration of the run. These data suggest that custom foot orthoses worn by injured runners may play a role in the maintenance of coordination variability of the tibia (transverse plane) and calcaneus (frontal plane) coupling during the Early Stance phase. In addition, it appears that the coupling angle between the knee (transverse plane) and rearfoot (frontal plane) joints becomes more symmetrical in the late stance phase as a run progresses.

Download Full-text

The effect of fatigue on knee range of motion during stance phase in recreational runners

Gait & Posture ◽

10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.07.144 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 49 ◽

pp. 86

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Stance Phase ◽

Recreational Runners

Download Full-text

Effects of Running Surface Stiffness on Three-Segment Foot Kinematics Responses with Different Shod Conditions

Applied Bionics and Biomechanics ◽

10.1155/2021/8842591 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-14

Author(s):

Noor Arifah Azwani Abdul Yamin ◽

Khairul Salleh Basaruddin ◽

Ahmad Faizal Salleh ◽

Mohammad Shahril Salim ◽

Wan Zuki Azman Wan Muhamad

Keyword(s):

Plantar Fascia ◽

Joint Rotation ◽

Foot Kinematics ◽

Surface Stiffness ◽

Flat Base ◽

Running Shoes ◽

Stance Time ◽

Biomechanical Responses ◽

Artificial Grass ◽

Male Subjects

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of surface stiffness on multisegment foot kinematics and temporal parameters during running. Methods. Eighteen male subjects ran on three different surfaces (i.e., concrete, artificial grass, and rubber) in both heeled running shoes (HS) and minimal running shoes (MS). Both these shoes had dissimilar sole profiles. The heeled shoes had a higher sole at the heel, a thick base, and arch support, whereas the minimal shoes had a flat base sole. Indeed, the studied biomechanical parameters responded differently in the different footwear during running. Subjects ran in recreational mode speed while 3D foot kinematics (i.e., joint rotation and peak medial longitudinal arch (MLA) angle) were determined using a motion capture system (Qualysis, Gothenburg, Sweden). Information on stance time and plantar fascia strain (PFS) was also collected. Results. Running on different surface stiffness was found to significantly affect the peak MLA angles and stance times for both HS and MS conditions. However, the results showed that the joint rotation angles were not sensitive to surface stiffness. Also, PFS showed no relationship with surface stiffness, as the results were varied as the surface stiffness was changed. Conclusion. The surface stiffness significantly contributed towards the effects of peak MLA angle and stance time. These findings may enhance the understanding of biomechanical responses on various running surfaces stiffness in different shoe conditions.

Download Full-text

The Effect of Dry Needling on Pain, Range of Motion of Ankle Joint, and Ultrasonographic Changes of Plantar Fascia in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2021-0156 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Afsaneh Moosaei Saein ◽

Ziaeddin Safavi-Farokhi ◽

Atefeh Aminianfar ◽

Marzieh Mortezanejad

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Ankle Joint ◽

Visual Analog Scale ◽

Plantar Fasciitis ◽

Plantar Flexion ◽

Plantar Fascia ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Dry Needling ◽

Analog Scale ◽

Significant Difference

Context: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common and devastating disease. Despite different treatments, there is no clear evidence for the effect of these treatments on PF. One of the therapy methods used in physiotherapy is dry needling (DN). So the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of DN on the pain and range of motion of the ankle joint and plantar fascia thickness in subjects with PF who are suffering from the trigger points of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Methods: In this study, 20 volunteer females with PF were randomly assigned into DN treatment and control groups. Measurements were range of motion in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, plantar fascia thickness, and visual analog scale measured before, immediately, and 1 month after the end of the intervention in both groups. Results: There were significant differences in the plantar fascia thickness and visual analog scale between the 2 groups. Plantar fascia thickness (P = .016) and visual analog scale (P = .03) significantly decreased in the treatment group. However, there was no significant difference in plantar flexion (P = .582) and dorsiflexion range of motion (P = .173) between groups. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that DN can reduce pain and plantar fascia thickness in women with PF who are suffering from trigger points of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Level of evidence: Level 1, randomized controlled trial.

Download Full-text

A novel technique for proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations: the second toe middle phalanx osteochondral graft

Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) ◽

10.1177/17531934211029225 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 175319342110292

Author(s):

Danielle Nizzero ◽

Nicholas Tang ◽

James Leong

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Proximal Interphalangeal Joint ◽

Interphalangeal Joint ◽

Middle Phalanx ◽

Joint Fracture ◽

Acute Injuries ◽

Fracture Dislocations ◽

Chronic Injuries ◽

Second Toe

Many different surgical techniques have been used to treat unstable dorsal proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations. The authors have used the base of the middle phalanx of the second toe base as an alternative autograft to treat this type of injury. This retrospective study assessed the clinical outcomes of this procedure in 11 patients. Range of motion, grip strength, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and donor site morbidity were assessed at regular intervals postoperatively. Nine patients had acute injuries and two had chronic injuries. The mean range of motion in the proximal interphalangeal joint at final review was 65° for patients with acute injuries and 41° for patients with chronic injuries. Other outcomes were satisfactory and there were no complications. Level of evidence: IV

Download Full-text