Liangliang Xiang1, Qichang Mei2, Justin Fernandez3, Yaodong Gu4. 1. Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Research Academy of Grand Health, 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: Naturally aligned toes, particularly hallux, have reported with gripping functions during locomotion, thus expanding the forefoot loading area. RESEARCH QUESTION: The purpose of this study was aimed to investigate the influence of hallux abduction manipulation on the foot plantar pressure distribution and inter-segment kinematic alterations. METHODS: Thirteen subjects participated in this toe manipulation study. A Footscan® pressure plate and Vicon motion capture system were utilized for the measurement of plantar pressure distribution and lower extremity and foot inter-segment kinematics during walking and running. Paired-sample t-test from statistical parametric mapping 1d was used to check the kinematic significance. RESULTS: Peak pressure in third metatarsal (M3) increased significantly during walking under manipulation. Contact area increased in second metatarsal (M2) with manipulation during running. Peak pressure and pressure-time integral illustrated significant increases in M3, and the maximum force and impulse in fourth metatarsal (M4) increased significantly. Arch height index increased while walking with toe manipulation. The foot progression angle in the frontal plane showed significant decrease in mid-swing phase during walking and significant increase in mid-stance phase during running. The hallux relative to forefoot angles presented higher axial rotation in the frontal plane. SIGNIFICANCE: Findings form this study showed centrally and laterally redistributed foot loadings and increased forefoot inter-segment flexibility with manipulation, which may be used as baseline to evaluate toe-manipulation interventions in foot disorders, specifically hallux valgus deformity.
BACKGROUND: Naturally aligned toes, particularly hallux, have reported with gripping functions during locomotion, thus expanding the forefoot loading area. RESEARCH QUESTION: The purpose of this study was aimed to investigate the influence of hallux abduction manipulation on the foot plantar pressure distribution and inter-segment kinematic alterations. METHODS: Thirteen subjects participated in this toe manipulation study. A Footscan® pressure plate and Vicon motion capture system were utilized for the measurement of plantar pressure distribution and lower extremity and foot inter-segment kinematics during walking and running. Paired-sample t-test from statistical parametric mapping 1d was used to check the kinematic significance. RESULTS: Peak pressure in third metatarsal (M3) increased significantly during walking under manipulation. Contact area increased in second metatarsal (M2) with manipulation during running. Peak pressure and pressure-time integral illustrated significant increases in M3, and the maximum force and impulse in fourth metatarsal (M4) increased significantly. Arch height index increased while walking with toe manipulation. The foot progression angle in the frontal plane showed significant decrease in mid-swing phase during walking and significant increase in mid-stance phase during running. The hallux relative to forefoot angles presented higher axial rotation in the frontal plane. SIGNIFICANCE: Findings form this study showed centrally and laterally redistributed foot loadings and increased forefoot inter-segment flexibility with manipulation, which may be used as baseline to evaluate toe-manipulation interventions in foot disorders, specifically hallux valgus deformity.