The influence of footwear on foot motion during walking and running

There are evidences to suggest that wearing footwear constrains the natural barefoot motion during locomotion. Unlike prior studies that deduced foot motions from shoe sole displacement parameters, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of footwear motion on forefoot to rearfoot relative motion during walking and running. The use of a multi-segment foot model allowed accurate both shoe sole and foot motions (barefoot and shod) to be quantified. Two pairs of identical sandals with different midsole hardness were used. Ten healthy male subjects walked and ran in each of the shod condition.The results showed that for barefoot locomotion there was more eversion of the forefoot and it occurred faster than for shod locomotion. In this later condition, the range of eversion was reduced by 20% and the rate of eversion in late stance by 60% in comparison to the barefoot condition. The sole constrained both the torsional (eversion/inversion) and adduction range of motion of the foot. Interestingly, during the push-off phase of barefoot locomotion the rate and direction of forefoot torsion varied between individuals. However, most subjects displayed a forefoot inversion direction of motion while shod. Therefore, this experiment showed that the shoes not only restricted the natural motion of the barefoot but also appeared to impose a specific foot motion pattern on individuals during the push-off phase. These findings have implications for the matching of footwear design characteristics to individual natural foot function.     

Multi-segment foot kinematics and ground reaction forces during gait of individuals with plantar fasciitis

Background

Clinically, plantar fasciitis (PF) is believed to be a result and/or prolonged by overpronation and excessive loading, but there is little biomechanical data to support this assertion. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences between healthy individuals and those with PF in (1) rearfoot motion, (2) medial forefoot motion, (3) first metatarsal phalangeal joint (FMPJ) motion, and (4) ground reaction forces (GRF).

Methods

We recruited healthy (n=22) and chronic PF individuals (n=22, symptomatic over three months) of similar age, height, weight, and foot shape (p>0.05). Retro-reflective skin markers were fixed according to a multi-segment foot and shank model. Ground reaction forces and three dimensional kinematics of the shank, rearfoot, medial forefoot, and hallux segment were captured as individuals walked at 1.35 ms⁻¹.

Results

Despite similarities in foot anthropometrics, when compared to healthy individuals, individuals with PF exhibited significantly (p<0.05) (1) greater total rearfoot eversion, (2) greater forefoot plantar flexion at initial contact, (3) greater total sagittal plane forefoot motion, (4) greater maximum FMPJ dorsiflexion, and (5) decreased vertical GRF during propulsion.

Conclusion

These data suggest that compared to healthy individuals, individuals with PF exhibit significant differences in foot kinematics and kinetics. Consistent with the theoretical injury mechanisms of PF, we found these individuals to have greater total rearfoot eversion and peak FMPJ dorsiflexion, which may put undue loads on the plantar fascia. Meanwhile, increased medial forefoot plantar flexion at initial contact and decreased propulsive GRF are suggestive of compensatory responses, perhaps to manage pain.     

Quantifying rearfoot-forefoot coordination in human walking

A method is proposed to facilitate the quantification and interpretation of inter-joint/-segment coordination. This technique is illustrated using rearfoot-forefoot kinematic data. We expand existing vector coding techniques and introduce a set of operational terms through which the coordinative patterns between the rearfoot segment and the forefoot segment are summarized: in-phase, anti-phase, rearfoot phase and forefoot phase. The literature on foot mechanics has characterized the stable foot at pushoff by a decreasing medial longitudinal arch angle in the sagittal plane, which is accompanied by forefoot pronation and concurrent rearfoot supination-in other words, anti-phase motion. Nine skin markers were placed on the rearfoot and forefoot segments according to a multi-segment foot model. Three healthy subjects performed standing calibration and walking trials (1.35ms(-1)), while a three-dimensional motion capture system acquired their kinematics. Rearfoot-forefoot joint angles were derived and the arch angle was inferred from the sagittal plane. Coupling angles of rearfoot and forefoot segments were derived and categorized into one of the four coordination patterns. Arch kinematics were consistent with the literature; in stance, the arch angle reached peak dorsiflexion, and then decreased rapidly. However, anti-phase coordination was not the predominant pattern during mid- or late stance. These preliminary data suggest that the coordinative interactions between the rearfoot and the forefoot are more complicated than previously described. The technique offers a new perspective on coordination and may provide insight into deformations of underlying tissues, such as the plantar fascia.     

Effects of a foot orthosis inspired by the concept of a twisted osteoligamentous plate on the kinematics of foot-ankle complex during walking: A proof of concept

It has been suggested that the foot acts as a twisted osteoligamentous plate to control pronation and facilitate supination during walking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an orthosis inspired by the concept of a foot’s twisted osteoligamentous plate on the kinematics of foot-ankle complex. Thirty-five subjects underwent a kinematic assessment of the foot-ankle complex during walking using three different orthoses: (1) Twisted Plate Spring (TPS) orthosis: inspired by the concept of a twisted osteoligamentous plate shape and made with a spring-like material (carbon fiber); (2) Flat orthosis: control orthosis made of a non-elastic material with a non-inclined surface; and (3) Rigid orthosis: control orthosis made of a non-elastic material, with the same shape of the TPS. Repeated measures analyses of variance demonstrated that the TPS reduced the duration and magnitude of rearfoot eversion (p ≤ 0.03), increased rearfoot inversion relative to shank (p < 0.01), increased forefoot eversion relative to rearfoot (p < 0.01), and increased peak of plantar flexion of forefoot relative to rearfoot during the propulsive phase (p = 0.01) compared to Flat orthosis. The effects of the TPS were different from the Rigid orthosis, demonstrating that, alongside shape, material properties were a determinant factor for the obtained results. The findings of this study help clarify the role of a mechanism similar to a twisted osteoligamentous plate on controlling foot pronation and facilitating supination during the stance phase of walking.     

Effect of peak pressure and pressure gradient on subsurface shear stresses in the neuropathic foot

The pressure distribution on the plantar surface of the foot may provide insights into the stresses within the subsurface tissues of patients with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy (PN) who are at risk for skin breakdown. The purposes of this study were to (1) estimate the stress distribution in the subsurface soft tissue from a measured surface pressure distribution and determine any differences between values in the forefoot and rearfoot, and (2) determine the relationship between maximum shear stress (MSS) (magnitude and depth) and characteristics of the pressure distribution. The measured in-shoe pressure distributions during walking characterized by the peak plantar pressure and maximum pressure gradient on the plantar surface of the feet for 20 subjects with diabetes, PN and history of a mid foot or forefoot plantar ulcer were analyzed. The effects of peak pressure and maximum pressure gradient at the peak pressure location on the stress components in the subsurface soft tissue were studied using a potential function method to estimate the subsurface tissue stress. The calculated MSSs are larger in magnitude and located closer to the surface in the forefoot, where most skin breakdown occurs, compared to the rearfoot. In addition, the MSS (magnitude and depth) is highly correlated with the pressure gradient (r=-0.77 & 0.61) and the peak pressure (r=-0.61 & 0.91). The peak pressure and the maximum pressure gradient obtained from the surface pressure distribution appear to be important variables to identify where MSSs are located in the subsurface tissues on the plantar foot that may lead to skin break down.     

Foot arch deformation and plantar fascia loading during running with rearfoot strike and forefoot strike: A dynamic finite element analysis

Forefoot strike becomes popular among runners because it facilitates better impact attenuation. However, forefoot strike may overload the plantar fascia and impose risk of plantar fasciitis. This study aimed to examine and compare the foot arch deformation and plantar fascia tension between different foot strike techniques in running using a computational modelling approach. A three-dimensional finite element foot model was reconstructed from the MRI of a healthy runner. The foot model included twenty bones, bulk soft tissue, ligaments, tendons, and plantar fascia. The time-series data of segmental kinematics, foot muscle force, and ankle joint reaction force were derived from a musculoskeletal model of the same participant based on the motion capture analysis and input as the boundary conditions for the finite element analysis. Rearfoot strike and forefoot strike running were simulated using a dynamic explicit solver. The results showed that, compared to rearfoot strike, forefoot strike reduced the foot arch height by 9.12% and increased the medial longitudinal arch angle by 2.06%. Forefoot strike also increased the plantar connective tissues stress by 18.28–200.11% and increased the plantar fascia tensile force by 18.71–109.10%. Although it is currently difficult to estimate the threshold value of stress or force that results in injury, forefoot strike runners appeared to be more vulnerable to plantar fasciitis.     

Effects of gender and foot-landing techniques on lower extremity kinematics during drop-jump landings

The purpose of this study was to assess kinematic lower extremity motion patterns (hip flexion, knee flexion, knee valgus, and ankle dorsiflexion) during various foot-landing techniques (self-preferred, forefoot, and rear foot) between genders. 3-D kinematics were collected on 50 (25 male and 25 female) college-age recreational athletes selected from a sample of convenience. Separate repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to analyze each variable at three time instants (initial contact, peak vertical ground reaction force, and maximum knee flexion angle). There were no significant differences found between genders at the three instants for each variable. At initial contact, the forefoot technique (35.79 degrees +/- 11.78 degrees ) resulted in significantly (p = .001) less hip flexion than did the self-preferred (41.25 degrees +/- 12.89 degrees ) and rear foot (43.15 degrees +/- 11.77 degrees ) techniques. At peak vertical ground reaction force, the rear foot technique (26.77 degrees +/- 9.49 degrees ) presented significantly lower (p = .001) knee flexion angles as compared with forefoot (58.77 degrees +/- 20.00 degrees ) and self-preferred (54.21 degrees +/- 23.78 degrees ) techniques. A significant difference for knee valgus angles (p = .001) was also found between landing techniques at peak vertical ground reaction force. The self-preferred (4.12 degrees +/- 7.51 degrees ) and forefoot (4.97 degrees +/- 7.90 degrees ) techniques presented greater knee varus angles as compared with the rear foot technique (0.08 degrees +/- 6.52 degrees ). The rear foot technique created more ankle dorsiflexion and less knee flexion than did the other techniques. The lack of gender differences can mean that lower extremity injuries (e.g., ACL tears) may not be related solely to gender but may instead be associated with the landing technique used and, consequently, the way each individual absorbs jump-landing energy.     

Foot joint coupling variability differences between habitual rearfoot and forefoot runners prior to and following an exhaustive run

As joint coupling variability has been associated with running-related lower extremity injury, the purpose of this study was to identify how variability within the foot may be different between forefoot (FFS) and rearfoot strike (RFS) runners. Identifying typical variability in uninjured runners may contribute to understanding of ideal coordination associated with running foot strike patterns.Fifteen FFS and 15 RFS runners performed a maximal-effort 5 km treadmill run. A 7-segment foot model identified 6 functional articulations (rearfoot, medial and lateral midfoot and forefoot, and 1st metatarsophalangeal) for analysis. Beginning and end of the run motion capture data were analyzed. Vector coding was used to calculate 6 joint couples. Standard deviations of the coupling angles were used to identify variability within subphases of stance (loading, mid-stance, terminal, and pre-swing). Mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs compared differences between the foot strikes, pre and post run.Increased variability was identified within medial foot coupling for FFS and within lateral foot coupling for RFS during loading and mid-stance. The exhaustive run increased variability during mid-stance for both groups.Interpretation. Joint coupling variability profiles for FFS and RFS runners suggest different foot regions have varying coordination needs which should be considered when comparing the strike patterns.     

Predicting changes in knee adduction moment due to load-altering interventions from pressure distribution at the foot in healthy subjects

The purpose of this pilot study of healthy subjects was to determine if changes in foot pressure patterns associated with a lateral wedge can predict the changes in the knee adduction moment. We tested two hypotheses: (1) increases or decreases in the knee adduction moment and ankle eversion moment due to load-altering footwear interventions can be predicted from foot pressure distribution and (2) changes in magnitude of the knee adduction moment and ankle eversion moment due to lateral wedges can be predicted from pressure distribution at the foot during walking. Fifteen healthy adults performed walking trials in three shoes: 0 degrees , 4 degrees , and 8 degrees laterally wedged. Maximum heel pressure ratio, first peak knee adduction moment, and peak ankle eversion moment were assessed using a pressure mat, motion capture system, and force plate. Increases or decreases in the knee adduction moment and ankle eversion moment were predicted well from foot pressure distribution. However, the magnitude of the pressure change did not predict the magnitude of the peak knee adduction moment change or peak ankle eversion moment change. Factors such as limb alignment or trunk motion may affect the knee adduction moment and override a direct relationship between the pressure distribution at the shoe-ground interface and the load distribution at the knee. However, changes (increases or decreases) in the peak knee adduction moment due to load-altering footwear interventions predicted from pressure distribution during walking can be important when evaluating these types of interventions from a clinical perspective.     

The influence of step-down technique on lower extremity mechanics during curb descent

When stepping down from a curb, individuals typically make initial ground contact with either their rearfoot or forefoot. The purpose of this study was to compare vertical ground reaction forces, lower extremity mechanics, and intra-limb work distribution when individuals adopt a rearfoot technique vs. a forefoot technique, during simulated curb descent. Sixteen subjects stepped down from a platform with both a rearfoot and a forefoot technique. Vertical ground reaction forces and sagittal plane joint kinematics and kinetics were examined for the lead limb during the step-down task. Paired t-tests were used for comparison. Subjects demonstrated greater ankle joint power and negative work, and less hip joint power and negative work, with the forefoot technique vs. the rearfoot technique. Total lower extremity negative work was greater for the forefoot technique vs. the rearfoot technique. The percent contribution to the total negative work was greater for the ankle joint, and less for the hip and knee joints, with the forefoot technique vs. the rearfoot technique. The results of this study may provide insight into how curb descent technique can be modified to alter lower extremity loading.     

Midtarsal locking,the windlass mechanism,and running strike pattern: A kinematic and kinetic assessment

Changes in running strike pattern affect ankle and knee mechanics, but little is known about the influence of strike pattern on the joints distal to the ankle. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of forefoot strike (FFS) and rearfoot strike (RFS) running patterns on foot kinematics and kinetics, from the perspectives of the midtarsal locking theory and the windlass mechanism. Per the midtarsal locking theory, we hypothesized that the ankle would be more inverted in early stance when using a FFS, resulting in decreased midtarsal joint excursions and increased dynamic stiffness. Associated with a more engaged windlass mechanism, we hypothesized that a FFS would elicit increased metatarsophalangeal joint excursions and negative work in late stance. Eighteen healthy female runners ran overground with both FFS and RFS patterns. Instrumented motion capture and a validated multi-segment foot model were used to analyze midtarsal and metatarsophalangeal joint kinematics and kinetics. During early stance in FFS the ankle was more inverted, with concurrently decreased midtarsal eversion (p < 0.001) and abduction excursions (p = 0.003) but increased dorsiflexion excursion (p = 0.005). Dynamic midtarsal stiffness did not differ (p = 0.761). During late stance in FFS, metatarsophalangeal extension was increased (p = 0.009), with concurrently increased negative work (p < 0.001). In addition, there was simultaneously increased midtarsal positive work (p < 0.001), suggesting enhanced power transfer in FFS. Clear evidence for the presence of midtarsal locking was not observed in either strike pattern during running. However, the windlass mechanism appeared to be engaged to a greater extent during FFS.     

Increased Vertical Impact Forces and Altered Running Mechanics with Softer Midsole Shoes

To date it has been thought that shoe midsole hardness does not affect vertical impact peak forces during running. This conclusion is based partially on results from experimental data using homogeneous samples of participants that found no difference in vertical impact peaks when running in shoes with different midsole properties. However, it is currently unknown how apparent joint stiffness is affected by shoe midsole hardness. An increase in apparent joint stiffness could result in a harder landing, which should result in increased vertical impact peaks during running. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of shoe midsole hardness on apparent ankle and knee joint stiffness and the associated vertical ground reaction force for age and sex subgroups during heel-toe running. 93 runners (male and female) aged 16-75 years ran at 3.33 ± 0.15 m/s on a 30 m-long runway with soft, medium and hard midsole shoes. The vertical impact peak increased as the shoe midsole hardness decreased (mean(SE); soft: 1.70BW(0.03), medium: 1.64BW(0.03), hard: 1.54BW(0.03)). Similar results were found for the apparent ankle joint stiffness where apparent stiffness increased as the shoe midsole hardness decreased (soft: 2.08BWm/º x 100 (0.05), medium: 1.92 BWm/º x 100 (0.05), hard: 1.85 BWm/º x 100 (0.05)). Apparent knee joint stiffness increased for soft (1.06BWm/º x 100 (0.04)) midsole compared to the medium (0.95BWm/º x 100 (0.04)) and hard (0.96BWm/º x 100 (0.04)) midsoles for female participants. The results from this study confirm that shoe midsole hardness can have an effect on vertical impact force peaks and that this may be connected to the hardness of the landing. The results from this study may provide useful information regarding the development of cushioning guidelines for running shoes.     

Comparison of in vivo segmental foot motion during walking and step descent in patients with midfoot arthritis and matched asymptomatic control subjects

The purpose of this study was to compare in vivo segmental foot motion during walking and step descent in patients with midfoot arthritis and asymptomatic control subjects. Segmental foot motion during walking and step descent was assessed using a multi-segment foot model in 30 patients with midfoot arthritis and 20 age, gender and BMI matched controls. Peak and total range of motion (ROM), referenced to subtalar neutral, were examined for each of the following dependent variables: 1st metatarso-phalangeal (MTP1) dorsiflexion, 1st metatarsal (MT1) plantarflexion, ankle dorsiflexion, calcaneal eversion and forefoot abduction. The results showed that, compared to level walking, step descent required greater MTP1 dorsiflexion (p<0.01), MPT1 plantarflexion (p<0.01), ankle dorsiflexion (p<0.01), calcaneus eversion (p=0.03) and forefoot abduction (p=0.01), in all subjects. In addition, step descent also necessitated greater MTP1 dorsiflexion (p<0.01), ankle dorsiflexion (p<0.01) and forefoot abduction (p=0.02) excursion compared to walking. Patients with midfoot arthritis responded differently to the step task compared to control subjects in terms of MT1 and calcaneus eversion excursion. During walking, patients with midfoot arthritis showed significantly less MT1 plantarflexion excursion compared to control subjects (p=0.03). However, during step descent, both groups showed similar MT1 plantarflexion excursion. During walking, patients with midfoot arthritis showed similar calcaneus eversion excursion compared to control subjects. However, during step descent, patients with midfoot arthritis showed significantly greater calcaneus eversion excursion compared to control subjects (p=0.03). Independently or in combination, these motions may contribute to articular stress and consequently to symptoms in patients with midfoot arthritis.     

Ultrasound elastographic assessment of plantar fascia in runners using rearfoot strike and forefoot strike

Forefoot strike is increasingly being adopted by runners because it can better attenuate impact than rearfoot strike. However, forefoot strike may overload the plantar fascia and alter the plantar fascia elasticity. This study aimed to use ultrasound elastography to investigate and compare shear wave elasticity of the plantar fascia between rearfoot strikers and forefoot strikers. A total of 35 participants (21 rearfoot strikers and 14 forefoot strikers), who were free of lower limb injuries and diseases, were recruited from a local running club. Individual foot strike patterns were identified through the measured plantar pressure during treadmill running. The B-Mode ultrasound images and shear wave elastographic images of the plantar fascia were collected from each runner. Two independent investigators reviewed the images and examined the plantar fascia qualitatively and quantitatively. The results demonstrated an overall good agreement between the investigators in the image review outcomes (ICC:0.96–0.98, κ: 0.89). There were no significant differences in the fascial thickness (p = 0.50) and hypoechogenicity on the gray-scale images (p = 0.54) between the two groups. Shear wave elastography showed that forefoot strikers exhibited reduced plantar fascia elasticity compared to rearfoot strikers (p = 0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.91). A less elastic fascial tissue was more easily strained under loading. Tissue overstrain is frequently related to the incidence of plantar fasciitis. While further study is needed for firm conclusions, runners using forefoot strike were encouraged to enhance their foot strength for better protection of the plantar fascia.     

In-vivo range of motion of the subtalar joint using computed tomography

Understanding in vivo subtalar joint kinematics is important for evaluation of subtalar joint instability, the design of a subtalar prosthesis and for analysing surgical procedures of the ankle and hindfoot. No accurate data are available on the normal range of subtalar joint motion. The purpose of this study was to introduce a method that enables the quantification of the extremes of the range of motion of the subtalar joint in a loaded state using multidetector computed tomography (CT) imaging. In 20 subjects, an external load was applied to a footplate and forced the otherwise unconstrained foot in eight extreme positions. These extreme positions were foot dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, eversion, inversion and four extreme positions in between the before mentioned positions. CT images were acquired in a neutral foot position and each extreme position separately. After bone segmentation and contour matching of the CT data sets, the helical axes were determined for the motion of the calcaneus relative to the talus between four pairs of opposite extreme foot positions. The helical axis was represented in a coordinate system based on the geometric principal axes of the subjects’ talus. The greatest relative motion between the calcaneus and the talus was calculated for foot motion from extreme eversion to extreme inversion (mean rotation about the helical axis of 37.3±5.9°, mean translation of 2.3±1.1 mm). A consistent pattern of range of subtalar joint motion was found for motion of the foot with a considerable eversion and inversion component.     

Foot strike pattern,step rate,and trunk posture combined gait modifications to reduce impact loading during running

Elevated impact loading can be detrimental to runners as it has been linked to the increased risk of tibial stress fracture and plantar fasciitis. The objective of this study was to investigate the combined effects of foot strike pattern, step rate, and anterior trunk lean gait modifications on impact loading in runners. Nineteen healthy runners performed 12 separate gait modification trials involving: three foot strike patterns (rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot strike), two step rates (natural and 10% increased), and two anterior trunk lean postures (natural and 10-degree increased flexion). Overall, forefoot strike combined with increased step rate led to the lowest impact loading rates, and rearfoot strike combined with anterior trunk lean led to the highest impact loading rates. In addition, there were interaction effects between foot strike pattern and step rate on awkwardness and effort, such that it was both more natural and easier to transition to a combined gait modification involving forefoot strike and increased step rate than to an isolated gait modification involving either forefoot strike or increased step rate. These findings could help to inform gait modifications for runners to reduce impact loading and associated injury risks.     

Foot internal stress distribution during impact in barefoot running as function of the strike pattern

The aim of the present study is to examine the impact absorption mechanism of the foot for different strike patterns (rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot) using a continuum mechanics approach. A three-dimensional finite element model of the foot was employed to estimate the stress distribution in the foot at the moment of impact during barefoot running. The effects of stress attenuating factors such as the landing angle and the surface stiffness were also analyzed. We characterized rear and forefoot plantar sole behavior in an experimental test, which allowed for refined modeling of plantar pressures for the different strike patterns. Modeling results on the internal stress distributions allow predictions of the susceptibility to injury for particular anatomical structures in the foot.     

Ankle joint mechanics and foot proportions differ between human sprinters and non-sprinters

Recent studies of sprinters and distance runners have suggested that variations in human foot proportions and plantarflexor muscle moment arm correspond to the level of sprint performance or running economy. Less clear, however, is whether differences in muscle moment arm are mediated by altered tendon paths or by variation in the centre of ankle joint rotation. Previous measurements of these differences have relied upon assumed joint centres and measurements of bone geometry made externally, such that they would be affected by the thickness of the overlying soft tissue. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we found that trained sprinters have shorter plantarflexor moment arms (p = 0.011) and longer forefoot bones (p = 0.019) than non-sprinters. The shorter moment arms of sprinters are attributable to differences in the location of the centre of rotation (p < 0.001) rather than to differences in the path of the Achilles tendon. A simple computer model suggests that increasing the ratio of forefoot to rearfoot length permits more plantarflexor muscle work during plantarflexion that occurs at rates expected during the acceleration phase following the sprint start.     

The effect of falling height on muscle activity and foot motion during landings

The aims of this study were: (a) to examine the effect of falling height on the kinematics of the tibiotalar, talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints and (b) to study the influence of falling height on the muscle activity of the leg during landings. Six female gymnasts (height: 1.63±0.04 m, weight: 58.21±3.46 kg) participated in this study. All six gymnasts carried out barefoot landings, falling from 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 m height onto a mat. Three genlocked digital high speed video cameras (250 Hz) captured the motion of the left shank and foot. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure muscle activity (1000 Hz) from five muscles (gastrocnemius medialis, tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, vastus lateralis and hamstrings) of the left leg. The kinematics of the tibiotalar, talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints were studied. The lower-leg and the foot were modelled by means of a multi-body system, comprising seven rigid bodies. The falling height does not show any influence on the kinematics neither of the tibiotalar nor of the talonavicular joints during landing. The eversion at the calcaneocuboid joint increases with increasing falling height. When augmenting falling height, the myoelectric activity of the muscles of the lower limb increases as well during the pre-activation phase as during the landing itself. The muscles of the lower extremities are capable of stabilizing the tibiotalar and the talonavicular joints actively, restricting their maximal motion by means of a higher activation before and after touchdown. Maximal eversion at the calcaneocuboid joint increases about 52% when landing from 2.0 m.