Methodology for Calculating Shock Loads on the Human Foot

Abstract

The leading place among diseases of the musculoskeletal system is occupied by various feet deformations. Clinical movement analysis and posturological examination are required to objectively assess the distribution for load caused by the weight of human body on the feet and its locomotion effect. In normal conditions, the foot is exposed to elastic deformations. When analyzing the foot loads, it`s necessary to consider shock loads as one of dynamic load types. The foot is the first to perceive the shock impulse by support reaction, and the further nature for interaction with the environment directly depends on its functional capabilities. However, the foot supporting properties haven`t been fully researched. The purpose for this research is to increase the accuracy of estimating the human foot biomechanical parameters, by assessing the dynamic impact, namely short-term shock loads by step cycle relevant phases. This goal is solved by developing a method of staticdynamic load analysis, which allows to estimate dynamic and shock loads on foot and is reduced to determining the capacity coefficients, dynamic and shock loads. In the course of studies, conducted in this research, it was found that the maximum contact per unit time has front section (repulsion phase), then -the rear section (landing phase) and the smallest -the foot middle section (rolling phase), the greater speed and length stepso the greater shock loads coefficient, and their peak falls on the front and rear sections. The practical significance of the obtained results is to improve the existing methods of researching biomechanical parameters by comprehensively assessing by standing and gait features, foot step cycle and support properties.