title: Inter-segmental motions of the foot in healthy adults: Gender difference.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Multi-segment Foot Models (MFM) have increased in use for both clinical and research applications; however, little is known about the gender differences of inter-segmental motions within the foot and ankle during gait. The objectives of this study were to analyze the gender differences of inter-segmental foot motion during gait in healthy young adults using a MFM with a 15-marker set.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred healthy adults (50 males, 50 females) between 20 and 35 years of age who had normal function and no radiographic abnormality, were evaluated. Inter-segmental angles (ISA) (hindfoot, forefoot, and hallux) were calculated at each time point. The ISAs at specific phases of the gait cycle, the change in ISAs between the phases, and the range of motion for each ISA across the entire gait cycle were compared between genders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The kinematic curve of the inter-segmental foot motions showed a characteristic pattern during the whole gait cycle. Although the hallux of female was aligned in a more valgus angulation during gait, the overall patterns of the inter-segmental foot motions were quite similar for both genders. Most differences in the inter-segmental foot motions between men and women were observed in the range of motion. Considering the stance phase of gait-cycle, the range of motion in the sagittal and transverse plane of the hindfoot was greater in females than in males. The sagittal range of motion of the hallux was also greater in females, mainly due to higher plantar flexion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The gender differences of the inter-segmental foot motion were investigated during gait in healthy young adults using a MFM with a 15-marker set. Females had a larger range of motion in the sagittal plane of the hallux and in the sagittal and transverse plane of the hindfoot.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, South Korea.
authors.forename: Dong Yeon
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, South Korea. Electronic address: sgseo@amc.seoul.kr.
authors.forename: Sang Gyo
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Seo
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, South Korea.
authors.forename: Eo Jin
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Statistics, Korea University, South Korea.
authors.forename: Sung Ju
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea.
authors.forename: Kyoung Min
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, South Korea. Electronic address: ihchoisnuch@gmail.com.
authors.forename: In Ho
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D005783:Gender Identity; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009038:Motion; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D055815:Young Adult