History-Evolution-of-Foot-and-Lower-Extremity-Biomechanics-and-Foot-Orthoses_Kevin-Kirby

3/26/2015
Chris Nester
Chris Nester, first a podiatrist
then a PhD in biomechanics,
became foot biomechanics
researcher at University of
Salford, UK
Along with coworkers, Nester
has performed important
pioneering bone pin research
in kinematics of foot joints in
both cadaver and live feet
Chris Nester
Nester and coworkers were first to suggest that
previous model of simultaneously occurring oblique
and longitudinal MTJ axes can not occur and should
be replaced by a single moving MTJ axis
Simple concept described by Nester et al is very
important for understanding MTJ biomechanics:
“axes of rotation do not determine the motion at a
joint; rather, the motion determines the axis”
Nester CJ, Findlow A, Bowker P: Scientific approach to the axis of rotation of the midtarsal joint.
JAPMA, 91(2):68-73, 2001.
Important Coworkers Have
Further Developed STJ Theory
Also proposed three “reference axes” for MTJ:
– Medial-lateral MTJ axis (z-axis)
– Anterior-posterior MTJ axis (x-axis)
– Vertical MTJ axis (y-axis)
Nester CJ, Findlow AH: Clinical and experimental models of the midtarsal joint. Proposed terms of
reference and associated terminology. JAPMA, 96:24-31, 2006.
Eric Fuller, introduced concept that
CoP position relative to STJ axis
can be used to predict how
different tissues will be stressed
Fuller EA: Center of pressure and its theoretical relationship to foot
pathology. JAPMA, 89 (6):278-291, 1999.
Co-developed concept of STJ
axis/tissue stress approach to
biomechanical therapy
Fuller EA, Kirby KA: Subtalar joint equilibrium and tissue stress
approach to biomechanical therapy of the foot and lower
extremity. In Albert SF, Curran SA (eds): Biomechanics of the
Lower Extremity: Theory and Practice, Volume 1. Bipedmed,
LLC, Denver, 2013, pp. 205-264.
Eric Fuller
Simon Spooner, PhD, developed STJ
axis locator and promoted analyzing
orthosis function with FEA
Spooner SK, Kirby KA: The subtalar joint axis locator: A preliminary
report. JAPMA, 96:212-219, 2006.
Craig Payne and coworkers showed
correlation of STJ axis location to
supination resistance
Payne C, Munteaunu S, Miller K: Position of the subtalar joint axis and
resistance of the rearfoot to supination. JAPMA, 93(2):131-135, 2003.
Javier Pascual Huerta, PhD and
coworkers demonstrated how max
pronated STJ position affects foot
resistance to supination with orthoses
Pascual Huerta J, Ropa Moreno JM, Kirby KA: Static response of
maximally pronated and nonmaximally pronated feet to frontal plane
wedging of foot orthoses. JAPMA, 99:13-19, 2009.
Simon Spooner
Craig Payne
Javier Pascual Huerta
Future for Foot and Lower Extremity
Biomechanics and Orthoses?
Key to developing better understanding of gait
function and pathologies will be dependent on
research that determines forces and moments
acting on foot and lower extremity
Research into new orthosis designs to reduce
abnormal forces and moments causing certain
pathologies will be important for further progress
Better understanding of biological and mechanical
nature of human tissues will also be critical to
developing better treatment methods
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