The Effects of an Over-pronated Foot on the Leg Coordination Pattern during Gait

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of an over-pronated foot on lower-limb coordination patterns during walking, specifically the pronation/supination of the rear part of the foot (rearfoot) with shank and thigh rotations. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-two young adults were divided into two categories: over-pronation and normal. The motions of these participants were captured as they walked along a 10-m walkway. Based on the joint angles observed, the coordination between the rearfoot and shank, between the rearfoot and thigh, and between shank and thigh were calculated and classified into 4 patterns. Then, the frequencies of these patterns were compared between the two groups. [Results] During the loading response phase, the over-pronation group had more rearfoot pronation-and-thigh internal rotation pattern but less rearfoot supination-and-shank external rotation pattern. [Conclusion] These different coordination patterns of the lower extremities during the loading response phase due to over-pronated deformities might be related to the risk factors of injuries to the body parts proximal to the foot.