Kinematics and Kinetics of the Foot and Ankle during Gait

During gait, the foot acts as the primary point of contact between the body and the ground. Movement and loading patterns of the foot and ankle joints directly impact the quality of a person’s motion and the efficiency of ambulation. To understand and effectively treat any level of ambulatory impairment, it is therefore necessary to have a thorough understanding of foot kinematics and kinetics. This chapter explores the articulatory anatomy of the foot and ankle, and typical patterns of motion and moments during gait. It also highlights different approaches for measuring these values, as well as emerging opportunities to gain greater insight into the workings of this very complex mechanism.