William Ledoux, Ph.D.
VA Center of Excellence for Limb Loss Prevention and Prosthetic Engineering
"Biomechanics of the Human Foot"


ABSTRACT

"The human foot is a complex and often under appreciated mechanism, performing functions as varied as attenuating
shock, adapting to uneven surfaces and serving as a rigid lever during propulsion.  Our research into foot biomechanics
at the VA Puget Sound is guided by the principle that foot structure affects foot function, that is, high arched feet
work differently than flat feet.  As such, we have taken a basic science approach and used state of the art technology
(computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, pressure measurement and retroreflective motion analysis) to quantify
structural and functional parameters from different foot types.  To further our understanding of how the foot
functions, we have developed a finite element model of the foot and begun to explore the relationship between foot shape
and diabetic neuropathic ulceration.  Other projects have included mechanical testing on the plantar soft tissue and
the ligaments of the foot.  Finally, we have developed several loading frames to systematically test cadaveric feet
in static positions, and are currently developing a dynamic gait simulator.  Our future work (and potential research
opportunities) include quantifying the effect of diabetes on the plantar soft tissue, the implementation of a foot based
coordinated system for motion analysis, the use of dual fluoroscopy to study the in vivo motion of the foot bones and
the use of the finite element method to model different foot types. "