Exploring the Association of Hallux Limitus with Baropodometric Gait Pattern Changes

<b>Background:</b> Hallux limitus (HL) is a condition marked by the restricted dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, causing pain and functional limitations, especially during the propulsive phase of walking. This restriction affects the gait, particularly in the final pha...

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Main Authors: Natalia Tovaruela-Carrión, Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias, Daniel López-López, Juan Gómez-Salgado, Javier Bayod-López
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Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Bioengineering
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/12/3/316
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author Natalia Tovaruela-Carrión
Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo
Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias
Daniel López-López
Juan Gómez-Salgado
Javier Bayod-López
author_facet Natalia Tovaruela-Carrión
Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo
Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias
Daniel López-López
Juan Gómez-Salgado
Javier Bayod-López
author_sort Natalia Tovaruela-Carrión
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background:</b> Hallux limitus (HL) is a condition marked by the restricted dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, causing pain and functional limitations, especially during the propulsive phase of walking. This restriction affects the gait, particularly in the final phase, and impairs foot stability and support. HL is more common in adults and leads to biomechanical and functional adaptations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in the center of pressure between subjects with hallux limitus and those with healthy feet. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 80 participants (40 with bilateral HL and 40 healthy controls) aged 18 to 64 were selected from a biomechanics center at the Universidade da Coruña, Spain. The gait analysis focused on three key phases: initial contact, forefoot contact, and the loading response. Data were collected using a portable baropodometric platform and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0.2.0; statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05, with a 95% confidence interval. <b>Results:</b> The gait analysis indicated that the case group exhibited statistically significant differences, showing lower values in the left foot load response during the foot contact time (77.83 ± 40.17) compared to the control group (100.87 ± 29.27) (<i>p</i> = 0. 010) and in the foot contact percentage (<i>p</i> = 0. 013) during the stance phase (10.02 ± 5.68) compared to the control group (13.05 ± 3.60). <b>Conclusions:</b> Bilateral HL causes subtle gait changes, with individuals showing greater contact time values in the total stance phase versus the control group. Early detection may improve quality of life and prevent complications.
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spelling doaj-art-4e13bfbe3bf44cde8ff36e7fb56957c72025-08-20T03:43:30ZengMDPI AGBioengineering2306-53542025-03-0112331610.3390/bioengineering12030316Exploring the Association of Hallux Limitus with Baropodometric Gait Pattern ChangesNatalia Tovaruela-Carrión0Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo1Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias2Daniel López-López3Juan Gómez-Salgado4Javier Bayod-López5Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, SpainFaculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, SpainFaculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, SpainResearch, Health and Podiatry Group, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, Industrial Campus of Ferrol, Universidade da Coruña, 15403 Ferrol, SpainDepartment of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, Universidad de Huelva, 21004 Huelva, SpainApplied Mechanics and Bioengineering Group (AMB), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Centro de Investigación Biomecánica en Red CIBER-BBN, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain<b>Background:</b> Hallux limitus (HL) is a condition marked by the restricted dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, causing pain and functional limitations, especially during the propulsive phase of walking. This restriction affects the gait, particularly in the final phase, and impairs foot stability and support. HL is more common in adults and leads to biomechanical and functional adaptations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in the center of pressure between subjects with hallux limitus and those with healthy feet. <b>Methods:</b> A total of 80 participants (40 with bilateral HL and 40 healthy controls) aged 18 to 64 were selected from a biomechanics center at the Universidade da Coruña, Spain. The gait analysis focused on three key phases: initial contact, forefoot contact, and the loading response. Data were collected using a portable baropodometric platform and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0.2.0; statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05, with a 95% confidence interval. <b>Results:</b> The gait analysis indicated that the case group exhibited statistically significant differences, showing lower values in the left foot load response during the foot contact time (77.83 ± 40.17) compared to the control group (100.87 ± 29.27) (<i>p</i> = 0. 010) and in the foot contact percentage (<i>p</i> = 0. 013) during the stance phase (10.02 ± 5.68) compared to the control group (13.05 ± 3.60). <b>Conclusions:</b> Bilateral HL causes subtle gait changes, with individuals showing greater contact time values in the total stance phase versus the control group. Early detection may improve quality of life and prevent complications.https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/12/3/316hallux limitusgait analysisgait patternsstance phase gait
spellingShingle Natalia Tovaruela-Carrión
Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo
Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias
Daniel López-López
Juan Gómez-Salgado
Javier Bayod-López
Exploring the Association of Hallux Limitus with Baropodometric Gait Pattern Changes
Bioengineering
hallux limitus
gait analysis
gait patterns
stance phase gait
title Exploring the Association of Hallux Limitus with Baropodometric Gait Pattern Changes
title_full Exploring the Association of Hallux Limitus with Baropodometric Gait Pattern Changes
title_fullStr Exploring the Association of Hallux Limitus with Baropodometric Gait Pattern Changes
title_full_unstemmed Exploring the Association of Hallux Limitus with Baropodometric Gait Pattern Changes
title_short Exploring the Association of Hallux Limitus with Baropodometric Gait Pattern Changes
title_sort exploring the association of hallux limitus with baropodometric gait pattern changes
topic hallux limitus
gait analysis
gait patterns
stance phase gait
url https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/12/3/316
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