Coordination Among Shank, Rearfoot, Midfoot, and Forefoot Kinematic Movement During Gait in Individuals With Hallux Valgus

An important step in the management of hallux valgus is the objective analysis of foot mechanics in dynamic conditions. However, the manner which hallux valgus affects the foot motion is poorly understood. Moreover, hallux valgus deformity may affect foot intersegmental coordination patterns. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative motion and intersegmental foot coordination patterns, considering the midfoot, during gait in individuals with hallux valgus. Fifteen females with hallux valgus and 13 females without hallux valgus were recruited in this study. Three-dimensional positional data during gait were collected using a motion capture system and analyzed using a multisegment foot model and an analysis software. Intersegmental foot coordination patterns were assessed using a modified vector-coding technique. In individuals with hallux valgus, the rearfoot was significantly more everted throughout stance, and forefoot motion during late stance was significantly increased. In intersegmental coordination patterns, individuals with hallux valgus exhibited excessive mobility of the rearfoot relative to the midfoot segment during midstance and increased anti-phase motion between rearfoot and midfoot segments during late stance. Excessive rearfoot eversion and altered intersegmental coordination patterns between rearfoot and midfoot may decrease the proper rigidity of the foot and lead to forefoot hypermobility during late stance in individuals with hallux valgus.