Midtarsal locking, the windlass mechanism, and running strike pattern: A kinematic and kinetic assessment

Abstract

Changes in running strike pattern affect ankle and knee mechanics, but little is known about the influence of strike pattern on the joints distal to the ankle. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of forefoot strike (FFS) and rearfoot strike (RFS) running patterns on foot kinematics and kinetics, from the perspectives of the midtarsal locking theory and the windlass mechanism. Per the midtarsal locking theory, we hypothesized that the ankle would be more inverted in early stance when using a FFS, resulting in decreased midtarsal joint excursions and increased dynamic stiffness. Associated with a more engaged windlass mechanism, we hypothesized that a FFS would elicit increased metatarsophalangeal joint excursions and negative work in late stance. Eighteen healthy female runners ran overground with both FFS and RFS patterns. Instrumented motion capture and a validated multi-segment foot model were used to analyze midtarsal and metatarsophalangeal joint kinematics and kinetics. During early stance in FFS the ankle was more inverted, with concurrently decreased midtarsal eversion (p < 0.001) and abduction excursions (p = 0.003) but increased dorsiflexion excursion (p = 0.005). Dynamic midtarsal stiffness did not differ (p = 0.761). During late stance in FFS, metatarsophalangeal extension was increased (p = 0.009), with concurrently increased negative work (p < 0.001). In addition, there was simultaneously increased midtarsal positive work (p < 0.001), suggesting enhanced power transfer in FFS. Clear evidence for the presence of midtarsal locking was not observed in either strike pattern during running. However, the windlass mechanism appeared to be engaged to a greater extent during FFS.

Ankle and midtarsal joint quasi-stiffness during walking with added mass

“…In Sanchis-Sales et al (2016) study, ground reaction force was attributed to each foot segment (hindfoot, forefoot and hallux) through the use of a pressure sensitive mat, which may contribute to the minor differences seen in our data. In runners with rearfoot strike patterns, Bruening et al (2018) found midtarsal joint quasi-stiffness values of 0.41 ± 0.11 Nm/kg°, which are understandably higher than the values in this study due to the more demanding running task. In order to explore mechanisms which might be associated with midtarsal quasi-stiffness, a secondary analysis was conducted.…”

Recognition of Foot-Ankle Movement Patterns in Long-Distance Runners With Different Experience Levels Using Support Vector Machines

“…The metatarsophalangeal joints function as a dissipater of large amounts of energy during running and sprinting, particularly when a passive dorsiflexion occurs at the foot contact transition from the metatarsal heads onto the toes, but fail to generate any energy at push off by remaining in that position (Stefanyshyn and Nigg, 1997). Since the less experienced runners displayed larger angles of hallux dorsiflexion during this transition between midstance to push off, they would be expected to have greater soft tissue tension, such as in the toe flexor muscles and tendons, and plantar fascia (Bruening et al, 2018). However, since there was little or no metatarsophalangeal plantar flexion, there was more energy dissipated by the passive structures, leading to less efficient propulsion in the following phase.…”

Number of Segments Within Musculoskeletal Foot Models Influences Ankle Kinematics and Strains of Ligaments and Muscles

“…The similarity may arise from the fact that both models include the MTP joint, because hopping requires a considerable MTP joint range of motion, which is captured by the 3MFM and 5MFM. An additional, albeit slightly unrelated consideration, is that the presence of the MTP joint may also better capture intrinsic foot mechanics such as the windlass mechanism, which occurs with dorsiflexion of the MTP joint, increases plantar fascia tension, and transitions the arch from compliant to rigid and generates propulsion . Thus, the MTP joint in 3MFM and 5MFM may better capture the range of motion and perhaps other intrinsic muscle mechanisms.…”