Dynamic loading and kinematics analysis of vertical jump based on different forefoot morphology

Abstract

PurposeThis study examined differences in ankle motion and plantar pressure between habitually barefoot male (HBM) and habitually shod male (HSM) during vertical jump.MethodsEighteen habitually barefoot males and twenty habitually shod males volunteered to join the test. Distance between hallux and second toe was measured with Easy-Foot-Scan. Plantar pressure and ankle kinematics were measured with EMED force platform and Vicon motion analysis system respectively. T test was taken to analyse the significant differences using Stata 12.0 software.ResultsThe distance between hallux and other toes in HBM was greater than it in HSM. HBM showed larger plantar loading under hallux and medial forefoot, while HSM showed lager plantar loading under medial and central forefoot. HBM had smaller ankle plantarflexion, eversion and external rotation than HSM.ConclusionFindings of this study provide basic information for further studies on different hallux/toe function in motion control between habitually shod and barefoot populations.

Morphology-Related Foot Function Analysis: Implications for Jumping and Running

“…Furthermore, the countermovement jump has been important to support clinicians in the medical diagnosis of muscle power during prolonged recovery 2 of 12 periods following ankle injuries [21]. The contribution of the forefoot and toes has been evaluated while performing the vertical jump, and kinematics, kinetics, and spatiotemporal parameters have been recorded and analyzed [22].…”

Multi-Segmental Motion in Foot during Counter-Movement Jump with Toe Manipulation

“…For habitually barefoot populations, peak pressure and pressure-time integral increased in the big toe and mid-foot regions during the take-off phase and in the big toe and hindfoot regions during landing, comparing to habitually shod populations. Further, habitually barefoot males presented a decreased plantarflexion in the ankle joint as well as external rotation [4]. The morphological differences from hallux abduction manipulation exist mainly in the forefoot and toe regions, which separated the hallux and the second toe, similarly to the concept of minimalist shoes.…”

“…Kadambande et al [2] found that long-term ill-fitted shoes wearing under weight-bearing conditions restricted natural foot growth and the normal straight alignment. Research findings have indicated that morphological differences in the foot could cause many foot malfunctions, disorders, and deformities, and limited-foot space may cause restricted biomechanical performances in the human foot [3][4][5][6].…”

“…Vertical jump performance based on morphology-related foot function and the importance of well-functioned toes was recognized while performing a basic jumping task. The contribution of the forefoot and toes has been evaluated while performing the vertical jump, with kinematics, kinetics, and spatiotemporal parameters being analyzed [4]. The toes functioned primarily in a prehensile and ambulatory way, in which the support-based area in the take-off and landing phase of locomotion was enlarged through the gripping action of five separated toes [5,16].…”

“…The toes functioned primarily in a prehensile and ambulatory way, in which the support-based area in the take-off and landing phase of locomotion was enlarged through the gripping action of five separated toes [5,16]. A larger plantar loading centralized in the forefoot regions during take-off and landing phases may contribute to the high risk of metatarsal injuries [4].…”