Shock attenuation properties at heel strike : implications for the clinical management of the cavus foot

Abstract

Background: This study explored the relationship between foot types and corresponding variations in shock attenuating properties of the heel. Methods: Thirty matched participants were assigned to 3 groups: pronated, neutral, and supinated. A low-mass accelerometer was mounted to the calcaneus of the right leg of each participant. Results: Acceleration at heel strike for supinators was significantly higher than that in individuals with pronated and neutrally aligned feet. No significant difference was found in mean and maximum acceleration at heel strike between pronators and neutrals. Conclusion: Cavus feet undergo significantly higher mean and maximum acceleration forces than neutrally aligned and pronated feet.