Relationship between ankle frontal muscle powers and three-d gait patterns

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Locomotion
• Musculoskeletal Dynamics

Background:

• Ankle power generation and absorption at push-off are crucial for gait stability.
• The relationship between initial foot placement and ankle power dynamics requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the link between the foot's initial position at heel-strike and ankle frontal plane muscle power during push-off.
• To determine if foot position relative to the body's center of mass influences ankle power absorption versus generation.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen healthy male subjects were analyzed.
• Participants were categorized into groups based on ankle frontal plane power absorption or generation at push-off.

Main Results:

• Subjects absorbing ankle power at push-off had their center of pressure positioned more anteriorly and laterally at heel-strike.
• The absorbing group exhibited increased hip sagittal plane energy (30%) and knee power absorption (47%) for compensation.
• The center of pressure was closer to the center of mass at push-off in the absorbing group.

Conclusions:

• Initial foot positioning at heel-strike partially explains ankle frontal plane power absorption or generation during push-off.
• Compensatory strategies involved increased hip and knee sagittal joint power and mechanical energy utilization.
• These adaptations contribute to maintaining balance and providing a stable base of support during gait.