Medio-lateral forefoot segmentation for clinical gait analysis based on metatarsal subunit rigidity and angular...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human motion analysis
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Clinical gait analysis relies on foot segmentation, but mediolateral divisions in the metatarsal region lack robust evidence.
• Optimal segmentation is crucial for accurate biomechanical assessments of the foot.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the best mediolateral segmentation of the metatarsals for gait analysis.
• To evaluate segment rigidity and angular motion for different metatarsal division models.

Main Methods:

• Collected 3D motion capture data from 45 healthy adults during barefoot walking.
• Quantified rigidity of ten metatarsal subunits and calculated angular motion relative to the Oxford Foot Model (OFM) hindfoot.

Main Results:

• Metatarsal subunits 2-3 and 3-4 exhibited the highest rigidity.
• Medial metatarsal groups were more rigid than lateral groups.
• Tested models (A, B, C) showed significant angular motion differences from the OFM forefoot, with variations between medial and lateral subunits in Models A and B.

Conclusions:

• Forefoot models tested represent minimal complexity for capturing metatarsal motion during walking.
• A mediolateral division at the third metatarsal is a potential segmentation strategy.
• A three-segment model with separate first and fifth metatarsals is an alternative approach.