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Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds
Published on: August 25, 2020
Plantar pressure changes after long-distance walking
Niki M Stolwijk1, Jacques Duysens, Jan Willem K Louwerens
1Development and Education, Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. n.stolwijk@maartenskliniek.nl
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|April 21, 2010
Summary
Long-distance walking (LDW) significantly alters foot loading patterns, increasing heel pressure and decreasing toe loading due to fatigue. This suggests a shift in walking mechanics to protect vulnerable foot areas.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Long-distance walking (LDW) has gained popularity.
- Effects of LDW on plantar pressure and foot complaints over multiple days remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of multi-day LDW on plantar pressure distribution.
- To identify changes in foot loading patterns and their relation to potential foot complaints.
Main Methods:
- Plantar pressure data collected from 62 participants (30 men, 32 women) over four consecutive days of LDW (199.8 km for men, 161.5 km for women).
- Plantar pressure measured daily post-walk, compared to pre-walk baseline using normalization methods.
- Analysis included mean, peak pressure, pressure-time integral, and center of pressure (COP) trajectory; paired t-tests used for significance.
Main Results:
- Significant decrease in toe loading and increase in metatarsal head III-V loading (P < 0.001).
- Pronounced increase in heel loading, especially in later stages (P < 0.001).
- COP shifted posteriorly (P < 0.001), with increased contact time (638.5 to 675.4 ms, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- LDW induces changes in walking patterns, characterized by reduced toe function and increased heel loading.
- These adaptations likely result from lower leg muscle fatigue and protective mechanisms against vulnerable foot areas.
- Findings suggest potential for altered foot biomechanics and increased risk of overuse injuries with prolonged walking.
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