Repeatability of a model for measuring multi-segment foot kinematics in children

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical analysis
• Pediatric biomechanics
• Motion analysis

Background:

• Accurate foot motion analysis is crucial for understanding pediatric gait and developing interventions.
• Existing foot models require adaptation for reliable application in pediatric populations.
• Assessing model variations is necessary to optimize accuracy and repeatability in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and validate a previously established foot model for use in pediatric populations.
• To evaluate the repeatability and accuracy of different model variations in healthy children.
• To propose an optimized pediatric foot model based on empirical testing.

Main Methods:

• Adaptation of an existing foot model for pediatric use.
• Testing of multiple model variations on 15 healthy children across three sessions.
• Assessment of kinematic data, including tibia and forefoot axes, forefoot flexibility, and heel marker variability.

Main Results:

• Most model variations showed minimal impact on repeatability.
• Eliminating the heel wand marker in static trials significantly reduced between-day hindfoot transverse plane motion variability.
• Differences in mean kinematic values were observed across variations, necessitating model selection.

Conclusions:

• An optimized pediatric foot model, refined through variation testing, is proposed.
• The refined model enhances the accuracy and reliability of pediatric foot motion analysis.
• Average kinematic curves derived from the optimized model provide a benchmark for pediatric gait research.