Late rearfoot eversion and lower-limb internal rotation caused by changes in the interaction between forefoot and...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• The impact of forefoot mechanical alterations on lower-limb movement during walking is not fully understood.
• This study examined how forefoot lateral wedges affect lower extremity kinematics during the stance phase of gait.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of forefoot lateral wedges on lower extremity kinematics.
• To analyze changes in rearfoot eversion and proximal joint rotations during walking.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen healthy adults walked in flat sandals and sandals with 5-degree and 10-degree forefoot lateral wedges.
• Three-dimensional motion analysis captured lower extremity kinematics during stance phases (loading response, midstance, late stance).

Main Results:

• Both 5 and 10-degree wedges increased rearfoot eversion during midstance compared to flat sandals.
• The 10-degree wedge also increased rearfoot eversion in late stance and led to greater internal rotation of the shank and hip during midstance.

Conclusions:

• Forefoot lateral wedges demonstrably increase rearfoot eversion during walking.
• These interventions may induce proximal kinematic alterations in the lower extremity kinetic chain.
• Distal mechanical factors like forefoot wedges are clinically relevant for managing excessive rearfoot eversion.