Quantitative Analysis of Foot Arch Deformation and Plantar Load Distribution Pattern During Running

Abstract

In order to changes in the foot medial longitudinal arch and to quantify the plantar load distribution during running. The purpose of this study was to quantify changes in the foot medial longitudinal arch and the plantar load distribution during running. Plantar pressure measurement plate（Novel GmbH®, 100Hz）, motion capture system（Oxford, 100Hz） and Force plate（Kistler, 1KHz）were synchronized. Plantar load distribution was divided into five sub-area based on anatomical measurement points. Medial longitudinal arch angle was calculated as the angle between the distal first metatarsal, navicular tuberosity and calcaneus, and first metatarsophalangeal joint angle as the angle between the hallux, distal and proximal first metatarsal. The plantar load was observed to shift to the forefoot during push off, and the medial longitudinal arch angle showed the largest change. Thereafter, the anterior ground reaction force tended to increase with dorsiflexion of the metatarsophalangeal joint. Medial longitudinal arch is a flexible structure that absorbs plantar load during foot contact, and it is assumed to dorsiflexion the first metatarsophalangeal joints during push off to increase foot stiffness and generate forward propulsion from forefoot. was assumed that the dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint during push off contributed to the increase in foot stiffness to support forward propulsion from the forefoot.