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An inverse dynamic model of the plantar aponeurosis: the influence of walking speed
Author(s) -
caravaggi paolo,
Pataky Todd,
Savage Russel,
Crompton Robin
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.826.3
Subject(s) - kinematics , tension (geology) , calcaneus , aponeurosis , achilles tendon , multibody system , inverse dynamics , mechanics , materials science , physical medicine and rehabilitation , simulation , geology , structural engineering , computer science , mathematics , anatomy , physics , medicine , engineering , tendon , composite material , classical mechanics , paleontology , ultimate tensile strength
An inverse dynamics approach has been used to gain an insight into the mechanical behaviour of the plantar aponeurosis (PA) at different walking speeds. To our knowledge only one study has addressed the dynamic behaviour of the PA with relation to the Achilles tendon force (Erdermir, 2004). The aims of this study were to create a multibody model to quantify PA tension and to examine how PA tension changes with walking speed. Ultrasonography was employed to determine the origin of the PA at the inferior aspect of the calcaneus and the radii of the metatarsal heads for three subjects who volunteered in the study. Commercial software for multibody dynamics analysis (MSC.Adams) was used to build the subject‐specific model geometry and to calculate the elongation trajectories for five segments of the PA based on stance phase kinematics data. The PA was pre‐tensioned during early stance phase in all subjects. The amount of pretensioning and the maximum elongation of the slips of the PA decreased from medial to lateral. Peak PA tension occurred in late stance phase (~1.5 BW) for all walking speeds and was similar in magnitude to cadaver simulation. Preliminary results demonstrate model validity and reveal an interesting relation between PA tension and walking speed. The increase in PA tension with walking speed during early stance may represent a pre‐loading protective mechanism. This study was supported by the ASGBI.