Modification of the locomotor pattern when deviating from the characteristic heel-to-toe rolling pattern during walking

Humans are amongst few animals that step first on the heel, and then roll on the ball of the foot and toes. While this heel-to-toe rolling pattern has been shown to render an energetic advantage during walking, the effect of different foot contact strategies, on the neuromuscular control of adult walking gaits has received less attention. We hypothesised that deviating from heel-to-toe rolling pattern affects the energy transduction and weight acceptance and re-propulsive phases in gait along with the modification of spinal motor activity.

Ten subjects walked on a treadmill normally, then placed their feet flat on the ground at each step and finally walked on the balls of the feet.

Our results show that when participants deviate from heel-to-toe rolling pattern strategy, the mechanical work increases on average 85% higher (F = 15.5; p < 0.001), mainly linked to a lack of propulsion at late stance. This modification of the mechanical power is related to a differential involvement of lumbar and sacral segment activation. Particularly, the delay between the major bursts of activation is on average 65% smaller, as compared to normal walking (F = 43.2; p < 0.001).

Similar results are observable in walking plantigrade animals, but also at the onset of independent stepping in toddlers, where the heel-to-toe rolling pattern is not yet established. These indications seem to bring arguments to the fact that the rolling of the foot during human locomotion has evolved to optimise gait, following selective pressures from the evolution of bipedal posture.