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Abstract The paper deals with the torques of external muscles acting on the upper ankle joint under weight-bearing conditions and their importance in diagnosing and treating the human foot. Experimental data were collected and calculations were performed. Based on the experiments with the biomechanical model of the foot and upper ankle joint, it was shown how the changes in the force arms of the external muscles of the foot under weight-bearing conditions, change the torque. The real values of muscle forces and torques of the external muscles of the foot were calculated. Taking into account the distance of the lines of muscle action from the axis of rotation of the upper ankle joint the rotational force of the muscles was calculated. The influence of changing the force arm on the rotational efficiency of the muscle balancing the moment of gravity was shown. Knowledge of muscle torque under weight-bearing conditions is crucial for correctly assessing foot biomechanics. It has been shown that torque (gravitational and muscular), not pure force, is crucial when assessing the rotational capacity of the analyzed joint. A change in the approach to diagnostics and treating paresis or weakness of extrinsic foot muscles was proposed through the manipulation of the distance of their action line from the axis of joint rotation.

The paper presents the generalized and parametrized 3D geometric modelling of the lower limb bone system. The research subscribes to ampler interests within the specialty literature, objectified through analytical, geometrical, numerical or experimental models regarding the human gait. The study of the previously mentioned models presents high interest for the further development of treatment strategies, implants or prosthesis of the specific human body element. After the thorough study of the anatomy, kinematics and biomechanics, a parametrized 3D modelling of the lower limb assembly has been developed. The resulted product assures generating the 3D model of the foot within all gait phases, through changing of the parameter values, and further, it can be associated to the existing variable loading states. By using the Skeleton system method within the relevant joint areas, it is provided the facile possibility of simulations and analyses of both healthy subjects, along with subjects affected by diverse pathological conditions, such as axial deviations of the bones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction During pregnancy, a range of hormonal and metabolic changes occurs in a woman's body. The body weight increase and the shift of the center of gravity are factors which have a disadvantageous effect on a pregnant woman's feet. Diabetes is another factor with a negative effect. Aim The aim of the study involved an assessment of the influence of pregnancy and diabetes on foot mechanics. Material and methods The study included pregnant healthy women, pregnant women suffering from type 1 diabetes and healthy women and women suffering from type 1 diabetes. To assess foot statics, a plantar analysis was performed, i.e. a print of the supporting part of the foot surface. The analysis was performed using a podoscope. The podoscope allowed for determining the distribution of foot pressure on the glass plate, on which the patient stood. The results analysis of the examination involved the determination of appropriate indices, including the length, the width of the foot, the Wejsflog index, the Sztriter–Godunov and the Clarke index. Results and discussion It was shown that pressure on individual areas of the feet increases during pregnancy. This is caused by an increase in the body weight. After delivery, pressure on individual areas of the feet decreases. Conclusions In type 1 diabetes, the pressure exerted on individual parts of the feet was higher than in healthy women and stress on the feet did not go back to the initial values after delivery. Some feet deformities in type 1 diabetes were lasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A new means of early electronic-computer diagnostics of child's foot pathology was designed by measuring of barometric pressure upon the insole surface of the foot combined with its further registration by computer system and parallel using of the photoplantography method. Revealed pathology of the foot was subjected to orthopedic correction, based on objective results of studying of biomechanical constituents forming the load upon the foot both in dynamics and in statics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]