title: The Effect of Walking Speed on Foot Kinematics is Modified When Increased Pronation is Induced.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The relation between walking speed and foot kinematics during gait is not well established, and neither is it clear whether this relation is modified in the presence of factors expected to increase pronation (eg, abnormal foot alignment). Understanding how foot kinematics is affected by walking speed under varying conditions could contribute to our understanding of stresses to the musculoskeletal system during walking. We evaluated the effect of walking speed on foot kinematics in the frontal plane during gait and determined whether this effect is modified by using medially inclined insoles that force the foot into increased pronation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six healthy young adults were assessed while walking on a treadmill wearing flat insoles and wearing medially inclined insoles. Foot kinematics in the frontal plane was measured with a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Data were analyzed during the stance phase of gait.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no main effect of speed on average calcaneal position. However, there was a significant insole type × walking speed interaction effect. In the flat insole condition, increased walking speed was associated with a less inverted average calcaneal position (or greater magnitudes of eversion), whereas in the inclined insole condition, higher speeds were associated with a less everted average calcaneal position (or increased magnitudes of inversion).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The magnitude of foot eversion increases at faster gait speeds under typical conditions. In the presence of factors that induce excessive pronation, however, this effect is reversed. Results suggest that individuals use greater active control of foot motion at faster speeds in the presence of excessive pronation to improve push-off efficiency. Potential clinical consequences of this functional strategy are discussed.
authors.forename: Joana F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Hornestam
authors.forename: Thales R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Souza
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Arantes
authors.forename: Juliana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ocarino
authors.forename: Paula L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Silva
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012775:Shoes; D000072797:Walking Speed / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult