Does human foot anthropometry relate to plantar flexor fascicle mechanics and metabolic energy cost across various walking speeds?

ABSTRACT: Foot structures define the leverage in which the ankle muscles push off against the ground during locomotion. While prior studies have indicated that inter-individual variation in anthropometry (e.g. heel and hallux lengths) can directly affect force production of ankle plantar flexor muscles, its effect on the metabolic energy cost of locomotion has been inconclusive. Here, we tested the hypotheses that shorter heels and longer halluces are associated with slower plantar flexor (soleus) shortening velocity and greater ankle plantar flexion moment, indicating enhanced force potential as a result of the force-velocity relationship. We also hypothesized that such anthropometry profiles would reduce the metabolic energy cost of walking at faster walking speeds. Healthy young adults (N=15) wal

SUBMITTER: Papachatzis N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10226764 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature