A portable system for foot biomechanical analysis during gait.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Analysis
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Foot biomechanics analysis is complex due to intricate anatomical structure.
• Portable devices are crucial for measuring gait parameters like temporal, spatial, and pedobarographic data.
• Existing laboratory systems are often immobile and costly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a portable system for comprehensive kinematic and dynamic foot analysis during gait.
• To assess the accuracy, precision, and variability of the portable system compared to a gold standard.
• To determine the system's suitability for use outside a dedicated motion analysis laboratory.

Main Methods:

• Development of a portable system integrating a force plate and four synchronized cameras.
• System calibration and validation using reference objects for linear and angular measurements.
• Gait trials with nine healthy participants comparing the portable system against a Vicon motion capture system.

Main Results:

• The portable system demonstrated high accuracy (0.4 mm linear, 0.5° angular) and precision (0.4 mm linear, 0.6° angular).
• Inter-system variability for ankle/metatarsophalangeal joint angles, moments, and ground reaction forces was minimal and comparable to intra-subject variability.
• Differences between the portable and Vicon systems were less than inter-subject variability.

Conclusions:

• The developed portable system is a satisfactory tool for biomechanical analysis of the foot during gait.
• The system offers reliable kinematic and dynamic measurements comparable to laboratory-based systems.
• This portable solution expands the possibilities for foot biomechanics research and clinical assessment outside specialized labs.