Hip external rotation stiffness and midfoot passive mechanical resistance are associated with lower limb movement in the frontal and transverse planes during gait

Hip passive stiffness is associated with midfoot passive stiffness

“…14---16 In addition, more recent studies demonstrated that less midfoot mechanical resistance is related to increased foot pronation and hip internal rotation during the stance phase of gait. 1,2 In this context, increased hip internal rotation caused by reduced midfoot stiffness might act as a stretching force to the hip external rotator tissues. 2,8 Over time and with use, the increased hip internal rotation, with lack of proper hip muscle performance, 17 might increase the length and flexibility of the hip external rotators and consequently reduce their stiffness.…”

“…Passive mechanical properties of the lower limb joints are related to the movement patterns of the joints during closed kinematic activities, such as gait. 1,2 For example, reduced passive mechanical resistance to internal rotation of the hip is associated with increased hip and knee internal rotation and foot pronation during the stance phase of gait. 2 In addition, Souza et al 3 demonstrated that hip internal rotation stiffness predicts peak rearfoot eversion during the stance phase of walking.…”

“…1,2 For example, reduced passive mechanical resistance to internal rotation of the hip is associated with increased hip and knee internal rotation and foot pronation during the stance phase of gait. 2 In addition, Souza et al 3 demonstrated that hip internal rotation stiffness predicts peak rearfoot eversion during the stance phase of walking. Thus, modification of the passive mechanical properties of hip joint tissues, such as hip external rotator stiffness, seems to influence not only hip movement patterns but also knee and foot motion during gait.…”

“…5,6 In addition, recent studies have demonstrated that reduced passive mechanical resistance of the midfoot is associated with increased foot pronation, increased knee internal rotation, and increased hip range of motion (ROM) in the transverse plane during gait. 1,2 Thus, alterations of the mechanical properties of the foot complex, such as midfoot stiffness, might also influence lower limb movement patterns during gait.…”

“…8 Similarly, increased hip internal rotation due to reduced hip passive stiffness might increase hip and shank internal rotation and consequently increase foot pronation, leading to reduced midfoot stiffness in the long term. 2 Thus, this study investigated the relationship between hip passive stiffness, midfoot passive stiffness, and shank-forefoot alignment. Our hypothesis was that reduced midfoot stiffness would be associated with reduced hip stiffness and that reduced hip and midfoot stiffness would be associated with greater shank-forefoot alignment.…”