Non-sagittal shank and foot movements included in the kinematic articular chain of the swing phase of gait

Abstract

Foot movements involved in the kinematic articular chain of the gait cycle in metatherians (marsupials) may be analysed in order to unravel eutherian bipedal gait. At the onset of sway, a short distinct foot eversion helps to clear the human foot from the walking surface. Very recently, sophisticated technology captured foot eversion at the end of swing, in a carnivore running at full speed. While doing so, this eutherian quadruped shows internal axial rotation of the lower leg and simultaneously heel-abduction, toe-extension and toe-abduction. This latter phenomenon might be universal, as it has been described in metatherians earlier.