Finite ElementAnalysis ofAnkle-Foot Complex During Different Strike Patterns of Jogging

  Objective  The biomechanical response of the mid-foot bone, articular cartilage, plantar fascia and the ligaments of ankle foot in different strike patterns was analyzed.

  Methods  The kinematic and kinetic data of different foot strike patterns(FSPs)were acquired in 8 male volunteers.The measured data were used as loading and boundary conditions for further finite element(FE)analysis.A 3D FE model of ankle-foot complex was developed based on the computerized tomography(CT) of one male subject and validated.The stress of the bone, contact stress on the articular facet and tension of the plantar fascia were collected and analyzed.

  Results  The peak contact stress of talocrural joint cartilage during NRFS was 7.41 MPa.The peak of first principal stresses has been found at the scaphoid in Max-buffer instant of RFS. At NRFS, tension of plantar fascia was found larger than in RFS.

  Conclusions  Both patterns, the RFS and NRFS, had an even distribution of contact stress on the fact of the talocrural cartilage.And, larger tension applied on plantar fascia and plantar ligaments was found in NRFS.Long-term RFS jogging may increase the risk of scaphoid and heel damage.