Neuromuscular factors influencing foot injury mechanics

This project aims to understand the importance of neural control and muscular strength on foot function, and injury mechanics.

Recent work has highlighted the importance of muscles within the foot for determining how the foot manages mechanical loads during running. Furthermore, how the foot is loaded during running is a key factor in the development of foot injuries. In particular, stress fractures associated with repeated loading of foot bones are a significant problem for a broad range of populations, from the millions of recreational runners in the UK, to the UK's military recruits in training. To date, no research has investigated the probable link between neuromuscular function of foot and ankle muscles, with foot bone loading and injury during running.

The project is highly multidisciplinary and will draw on the supervisory team's combined expertise to provide a unique approach for investigating foot injury mechanics. The project is expected to include the following:

1. Initial experiments will combine advanced electromyography techniques with motion capture and gait analysis methods to acquire experimental measures of muscle function and lower limb mechanics in-vivo. Imaging techniques (MRI and ultrasound) will also be applied to attain person-specific measures of muscle size and physiological characteristics.

2. A neuromuscular model will be developed using experimental data and subject-specific muscle parameters. The model will be used to estimate muscle forces that cannot be measured, and predict the effects of changes to muscle parameters on muscle forces and foot load management.

From this we can develop targeted interventions to strengthen appropriate muscles in an effort to reduce injury risk in relevant populations, and improve capacity for gait in those with impaired function. Fundamental knowledge of foot neuromuscular and mechanical function might also drive design of artificial limbs for prosthetics and robotics.