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The function of the toes in walking, jogging and running
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|July 1, 1979
Summary
This study analyzed foot mechanics during walking and running using high-speed cinema photography. Key findings show extrinsic toe flexors and extensors play crucial roles in tibial movement, with intrinsic muscles activating during specific running phases.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Locomotion
- Sports Science
Background:
- Understanding the complex biomechanics of the human foot is essential for analyzing gait.
- Previous research has focused on general gait patterns, but specific muscle actions during different running speeds require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the roles of extrinsic and intrinsic foot muscles during walking, running, and jogging.
- To analyze the kinematic contributions of these muscle groups to tibial progression.
Main Methods:
- High-speed cinema photography was employed in a laboratory setting for detailed gait analysis.
- Subjects' foot and lower leg movements were captured during various locomotion activities.
Main Results:
- During both walking and running, extrinsic toe flexors were observed to restrain tibial progression.
- Extrinsic extensors were found to accelerate the tibia relative to a stabilized foot.
- Intrinsic toe muscles demonstrated significant activity from mid-stance to lift-off in toe running, and throughout the weight-bearing phase in sprinting.
Conclusions:
- Extrinsic and intrinsic foot muscles exhibit distinct functional roles during different phases of locomotion.
- The coordinated action of these muscles is critical for efficient and powerful running mechanics.
- This research provides valuable insights into the neuromuscular control of human running gait.