Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/10397/86206
Title: The variation of dynamic footprint parameters with different gait patterns
Authors: Law, Yat-chau
Degree: M.Phil.
Issue Date: 2005
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different walking patterns on dynamic arch index, plantar pressure and temporal measurements. F-scan insole-sensor measurement system was used to collect dynamic foot pressure data from 81 subjects at 11 to 56 years of age. Dynamic foot pressure data during walking on the treadmill in canvas shoes (Double coin, China) were collected using F-scan insole sensor (Tekscan Inc., Boston MA) with a sampling rate of 165Hz. Nine sets of plantar pressure measurements, with 10 steps for each set, were taken. Subjects were asked to vary their gait parameters one at a time. The nine sets of measurements involved walks with wide/ narrow walking base, walks with out-toeing/ in-toeing gait, increased/ decreased walking speed by 0.1 m/s by changing the cadence, increased/ decreased walking speed by 0.1 m/s by changing the stride length, and normal walking. Cadence was guided by a metronome. Gait parameters were monitored by a Vicon system (Oxford Metrics). Within-subject comparison using Repeated Measure ANOVA was performed to compare the dynamic arch index of the foot, peak pressure, pressure-time integral, foot contact duration, instance of foot contact and instance of lift-off between normal walking and different walking gait patterns. Changes in a number of footprint parameters, such as dynamic arch index of the foot, peak pressure, pressure-time integral, foot contact duration, instance of foot contact, and instance of lift-off, at the big toe, metatarsal heads, mid-foot, and the heel, due to variation of the walking speed, walking cadence, stride length, foot placement angle, and walking base were evaluated. This study demonstrated that walking gaits significantly change the foot contact patterns. Results are specific to the walking gaits, locations on the foot and foot types. Changing walking speed by changing walking cadence mainly affected the pressure-time integral. Changing walking speed by changing stride length mainly affected the peak pressure at the big toe. Peak pressure increased as stride length increased. Pressure-time integral decreased as walking cadence increased. Narrow-base walking and toe-in walking showed similar responses. Loading decreased at the heel region, medial mid-foot and forefoot region, but increased at the lateral foot region, except at the heel, where loading was increased. In addition, wide-base walking and toe-out walking showed similar response. Loading was increased at the heel region, medial foot region and big-toe but decreased at the lateral midfoot and forefoot region. Dynamic arch index during dynamic walking condition was lowered by wide-base walking and toe-out walking for normal arch subjects and high arch subjects. Dynamic arch index was raised by toe-in walking for high-arch subjects. The results of the present study can be applied in the areas such as: 1) the design and assessment of the effectiveness of orthoses or shoes; 2) the evaluation of the effect of treatment before and after a surgical procedure, 3) the monitoring of patient progress by means of sequential measurements; and 4) the evaluation of the accuracy of various foot biomechanical models.
Subjects: Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations
Walking
Gait in humans
Footprints
Pages: xx, 205 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm
Appears in Collections:Thesis

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