Abstract
We describe a multiβsegmented foot model comprising lower leg, rearfoot, midfoot, lateral forefoot, medial forefoot, and hallux for routine use in a clinical setting. The Ghent Foot Model describes the kinematic patterns of functional units of the foot, especially the midfoot, to investigate patient populations where midfoot deformation or dysfunction is an important feature, for example, rheumatoid arthritis patients. Data were obtained from surface markers by a 6 camera motion capture system at 500βHz. Ten healthy subjects walked barefoot along a 12βm walkway at selfβselected speed. Joint angles (rearfoot to shank, midfoot to rearfoot, lateral and medial forefoot to midfoot, and hallux to medial forefoot) in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane are reported according to anatomically based reference frames. These angles were calculated and reported during the foot rollover phases in stance, detected by synchronized plantar pressure measurements. Repeated measurements of each subject revealed low intraβsubject variability, varying between 0.7Β° and 2.3Β° for the minimum values, between 0.5Β° and 2.1Β° for the maximum values, and between 0.8Β° and 5.8Β° for the ROM. The described movement patterns were repeatable and consistent with biomechanical and clinical knowledge. As such, the Ghent Foot model permits intersegment, in vivo motion measurement of the foot, which is crucial for both clinical and research applications. Β© 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. Β© 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:655β661, 2012