Multi-Segment Foot Kinematics during Gait in Adults with Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Flatfoot

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the differences in foot kinematics during gait between adults with asymptomatic and symptomatic flatfoot.

Methods

The study included 10 participants (six males and four females, aged 25.7 ± 6.5 years) with symptomatic flatfoot and 10 participants (eight males and two females, aged 21.2 ± 1.0 years) with asymptomatic flatfoot. Multi-segment foot kinematics were captured during barefoot gait analysis using a 3D software. Angles were calculated for the calcaneus with respect to the shank (Sha-Cal), the midfoot with respect to the calcaneus (Cal-Mid), and the metatarsus with respect to the midfoot (Mid-Met) during the stance phase.

Results

Some differences were noted between medium-to-large effect sizes. The symptomatic group had a decreased Mid-Met dorsiflexion angle at the initial contact to 50% of the stance phase compared with the asymptomatic group. The symptomatic group also showed decreased Mid-Met abduction at initial contact, larger Sha-Cal eversion angles at 10% of the stance phase, and larger Cal-Mid eversion angles at 50% and 70% of the stance phase compared to the asymptomatic group. The symptomatic group also had a larger peak Sha-Cal eversion angle than the asymptomatic group.

Conclusion

Adults with symptomatic flatfoot exhibit significant differences in foot kinematics towards decreased forefoot dorsiflexion at initial contact to mid-stance, decreased forefoot abduction at initial contact, and increased rearfoot eversion during the stance phase compared with those with asymptomatic flatfoot during gait. Pain may impair intersegmental motion.