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BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare centre of pressure (COP) characteristics between healthy adults with normal, planus or cavus feet who were allocated to groups based on reliable foot posture measurement techniques.MethodsNinety-two healthy adult participants (aged 18 to 45) were recruited and classified as either normal (n = 35), pes planus (n = 31) or pes cavus (n = 26) based on Foot Posture Index, Arch Index and normalised navicular height truncated measurements. Barefoot walking trials were conducted using an emed®-x 400 plantar pressure system (Novel GmbH, Munich, Germany). Average, maximum, minimum and range (difference between maximum and minimum) values were calculated for COP velocity and lateral-medial force index during loading response, midstance, terminal stance and pre-swing phases of stance. The COP excursion index was also calculated. One-way analyses of variance were used to compare the three foot posture groups.ResultsThe cavus foot exhibited the slowest average and minimum COP velocity during terminal stance, but this pattern was reversed during pre-swing, when the cavus foot exhibited the fastest maximum COP velocity. The planus foot exhibited the smallest lateral medial force index range during terminal stance. There were no differences between the groups for COP excursion index.ConclusionThese findings indicate that there are differences in COP characteristics between foot postures, which may represent different mechanisms for generating force to facilitate forward progression of the body during the propulsive phases of gait.

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BackgroundRollover footwear is assumed to provide an enhanced surface over which the body can roll more easily. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rollover footwear on the rollover function of walking.MethodsTwenty subjects walked in three conditions: (i) a MBT shoe (Masai Barefoot Technology) characterized by a stiff sole rounded in the anterior–posterior direction; (ii) alternative rollover shoe (a prototype of Scholl STARLIT) characterized by a stiff sole rounded in the anterior–posterior direction; (iii) a flat control shoe. Data on the lower limb kinematics and ground reaction force were collected. The rollover function of walking was characterized using the radii of lower limb rollover shapes and duration of terminal double limb support. These data were compared between the three shoe conditions and the relationship between the radii of the curved shoe sole and the radii of the rollover shapes investigated.ResultsThe radii of the whole and middle part of foot–shoe, ankle-foot and knee–ankle–foot rollover shapes were significantly smaller (i.e. more curved) for MBT (ranging from 12% to 81% smaller) and the rollover shoe (ranging from 2% to 69% smaller) compared with flat shoe (p < 0.05). Double support time decreased significantly for MBT ~12% and rollover shoe ~7% compared to the flat shoe. For both MBT and rollover shoes, there were positive correlations (r = 0.42-0.60) between the sole radii and radius of foot-shoe rollover shape (p < 0.05).ConclusionWearing MBT and the rollover shoe resulted in more curved foot-shoe, ankle-foot and knee-ankle-foot rollover shapes and faster weight transfer. However, the results also indicate that static sole curve is not the only factor influencing the gait rocker function.

These results suggest that thermographic images may prove useful for the remote assessment of traumatically damaged foot skin.

Objectives: Clinical convention suggests that foot posture and movements are adversely affected by stroke and cause walking difficulties but there is little objective data to support or refute these beliefs. This study explores static foot posture in people with stroke and their relationship to weakness and spasticity and walking limitations. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Stroke services and support groups of two acute hospitals. Subjects: Seventy-two stroke survivors with mobility limitations. Main measures: Foot Posture Index; Demographics; Motricity Index (weakness); modified Ashworth Scale (spasticity); Walking Handicap Scale (walking limitations). Results: About one-third of participants had abnormal foot posture on the weak side, which was associated with walking limitations. Most (70%) had a symmetrical foot posture with similar frequencies of supination (13%) and pronation (16%) abnormalities. There was no relationship between foot posture and weakness and spasticity; age was the only independent predictor of foot posture abnormalities. Conclusions: A minority of people with stroke had abnormal or asymmetrical foot posture and equal numbers suffered pronation and supination abnormalities; these findings challenge the beliefs that underpin the clinical management of stroke-related foot problems.

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Background: Some cases of repeated inversion ankle sprains are thought to have a neurological basis and are termed functional ankle instability (FAI). In addition to factors local to the ankle, such as loss of proprioception, cognitive demands have the ability to influence motor control and may increase the risk of repetitive lateral sprains.Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cognitive demand on foot kinematics in physically active people with functional ankle instability.