The effect of arch height on kinematic coupling during walking

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Orthopedics
• Human Movement Science

Background:

• Foot arch height varies significantly among individuals.
• Understanding foot kinematics is crucial for diagnosing and treating foot conditions.
• Kinematic coupling describes how different foot segments move together during locomotion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between foot arch height and kinematic coupling during walking.
• To quantify specific kinematic coupling ratios across a spectrum of foot arch heights.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen subjects with varying arch heights were recruited.
• Weight-bearing lateral radiographs measured arch height (angle between 1st metatarsal and calcaneus).
• A kinematic model assessed foot and ankle motion during walking, calculating four coupling ratios.

Main Results:

• A wide range of arch angles (114-153 degrees) was observed.
• Arch height explained a small percentage of variance in most coupling ratios (1-38%).
• The calcaneus frontal to forefoot transverse plane motion (Calcaneus EV/Forefoot AB) showed the strongest correlation (38%) with arch height.

Conclusions:

• Foot arch height demonstrates a small to modest relationship with kinematic coupling during walking.
• These findings contribute to the understanding of foot mechanics and the influence of arch morphology.
• Further research can explore the clinical implications of these relationships in foot pathologies.