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Foot progression angle and ankle joint complex in preschool children
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, #1 University Road, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|February 17, 2000
Summary
Preschool children’s toe-in or toe-out walking is linked to distinct ankle joint mechanics and gait patterns, not necessarily a disease. Understanding these biomechanical differences is key to appropriate management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Toe-in and toe-out are common reasons for pediatric orthopedic consultations in preschool children.
- Lack of understanding of the biomechanical implications complicates treatment decisions for these gait variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of foot progression angle on ankle joint function.
- To examine the effects on gait patterns and mechanisms in skeletally normal preschool children.
Main Methods:
- Gait analysis was conducted on 86 skeletally normal preschool children.
- Children were categorized based on their foot progression angles (FPAs).
- Kinematic and kinetic data of the ankle joint were analyzed to understand gait mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Distinct spatio-temporal parameters, ground reaction forces, and ankle joint kinematics/kinetics were observed across different FPAs.
- These variations were characterized as different walking patterns and strategies.
- Differences in ankle joint moments, power, and mechanical work were noted.
Conclusions:
- Excessive toe-in or toe-out foot progression angles in children are associated with varied walking patterns, not indicative of a disease state.
- Aggressive interventions for these common gait variations are not recommended.
- Findings suggest a link between FPAs, walking speed, and 3D ankle joint mechanics, influencing muscle response and walking habits.