Implementing a multi-segment foot model in a clinical setting to measure inter-segmental joint motions
Abstract
It has been illustrated that measuring inter-segmental joint motions of the foot using a dynamic method is required to evaluate the function and level of impairment of the foot joints. Optical motion tracking using the multi-segment foot model (MSFM) developed by Jenkyn and Nicole (2007), has been demonstrated to be a valid tool for measuring the motion of the joints within the foot. However, in current practice, inter-segmental joint motions of this model are measured using a custom-written software (MATLAB) and it limits the clinical usefulness of this model. Hence, this study implemented the MSFM introduced by Jenkyn and Nicole in a clinical user-friendly software, Vicon ProCalc, to measure the joint motions within the foot. Ankle Joint dorsi/plantarflexion, subtalar joint inversion/eversion, hindfoot supination/pronation and internal/external rotation with respect to the midfoot, forefoot supination/pronation with respect to the midfoot, hallux dorsiflexion, the rise and fall of the medial longitudinal arch, and relative motion of the medial and lateral forefoot segments were measured using Jenkyn and Nicole’s MSFM and the Vicon ProCalc software for eleven participants in this study. The test was repeated using Oxford foot model (OFM) and the joint motions measured using Vicon ProCalc were compared with the results of the Oxford foot model as well as the results of the previous study on the Jenkyn and Nicole model. Compared data were matching and there was not any significant difference between the results (p<0.03) and it demonstrated the validity of using Vicon ProCalc for measuring inter-segmental joint motions of the foot.