Liangliang Xiang1, Qichang Mei2, Justin Fernandez3, Yaodong Gu4. 1. Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China. 2. Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Research Academy of Grand Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 3. Research Academy of Grand Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Engineering Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. 4. Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Research Academy of Grand Health, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. Electronic address: guyaodong@hotmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) is one common deformity of the human foot. Metatarsal pain, gait deviation and foot function disorder may occur when HV is severe. RESEARCH QUESTION: It was hypothesized that a 12-week minimalist shoes running intervention among mild and moderate hallux valgus males may alter foot morphology and plantar pressure distribution during walking and running. METHODS: The foot morphology and plantar pressure data, in this study, were collected from eleven participants using the Easy-Foot-Scan (EFS) and Novel EMED force plate. RESULTS: Compared to pre-intervention sessions, the hallux abductus angle and forefoot width decreased significantly with increased metatarsal waist girth in the post-intervention session. The peak pressure, maximum force and force time integral in the first metatarsal reduced significantly due to the distribution of plantar pressure to the central foot regions. SIGNIFICANCE: The findings suggest that minimalist shoes may deform forefoot morphology and neutralize loading concentration for mild and moderate hallux valgus.
BACKGROUND:Hallux valgus (HV) is one common deformity of the human foot. Metatarsal pain, gait deviation and foot function disorder may occur when HV is severe. RESEARCH QUESTION: It was hypothesized that a 12-week minimalist shoes running intervention among mild and moderate hallux valgus males may alter foot morphology and plantar pressure distribution during walking and running. METHODS: The foot morphology and plantar pressure data, in this study, were collected from eleven participants using the Easy-Foot-Scan (EFS) and Novel EMED force plate. RESULTS: Compared to pre-intervention sessions, the hallux abductus angle and forefoot width decreased significantly with increased metatarsal waist girth in the post-intervention session. The peak pressure, maximum force and force time integral in the first metatarsal reduced significantly due to the distribution of plantar pressure to the central foot regions. SIGNIFICANCE: The findings suggest that minimalist shoes may deform forefoot morphology and neutralize loading concentration for mild and moderate hallux valgus.