Kinematic analysis of the talocalcaneal/talocrural joint during running support

The purpose of this investigation was to obtain a comprehensive description of the kinematic behavior of the combined talocalcaneal/talocrural joint during the support phase of running. Considerable variation in kinematic data was exhibited by a heterogeneous subject sample (N = 5). The results indicated that: eversion/inversion may not be the only rotational component that should be considered when examining total talocalcaneal/talocrural joint motion; the common definitions for pronation and supination do not always accurately describe the relative motion of the shank relative to the calcaneus; and a combined talocalcaneal/talocrural joint behaving as an oblique hinge was not an adequate model for describing the relative motion of the shank with respect to the calcaneus. It was concluded that further investigation is needed to categorize subjects according to common kinematic characteristics. This categorization may be necessary to better understand characteristic variations in normal joint behavior, to diagnose joint pathology, and to prescribe effective injury prevention and rehabilitation modalities.