Quantifying the Dynamic Stability of Gait Patterns in People with Hallux Valgus

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Orthopedics
• Gait Analysis

Background:

• Hallux valgus (HV) deforms lower limb joints, disrupting gait, but its specific impact on joint dynamics is understudied.
• Previous gait analyses using spatiotemporal parameters lack comprehensive characterization of overall gait dynamics in HV patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize gait stability in individuals with Hallux valgus (HV).
• To identify the specific lower limb joints critically affected by HV during walking.
• To assess the influence of footwear on gait dynamics in HV patients.

Main Methods:

• Quantified gait stability using the maximum Lyapunov exponent (MLE) to assess complex gait dynamics.
• Measured angular displacements of the ankle, knee, and hip in the sagittal plane during walking.
• Evaluated gait stability across different foot conditions: barefoot, flat shoes, and high heels.

Main Results:

• Patients with HV exhibited significantly higher MLE values for knee joints during walking (P < 0.05), indicating reduced knee stability.
• Ankle joint movement demonstrated greater dynamic stability compared to other lower limb joints (P < 0.05).
• Footwear type (barefoot, flat shoes, high heels) did not significantly influence gait stability or joint movement (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Hallux valgus critically affects knee joint stability during walking, impacting overall gait dynamics.
• The maximum Lyapunov exponent (MLE) provides a valuable quantitative measure for assessing gait disturbances in HV patients.
• Dynamic stability assessments using MLE can aid clinicians in evaluating gait in patients with HV and other mobility impairments.