Pediatric foot motion analysis: a study of ten normal children using a two-segment foot model

A pulsed, infrared active marker set has been developed and integrated with a 6-VICON motion analysis system for the analysis of pediatric foot motion. The marker set allows quantitative, 3-D kinematic description of pediatric hindfoot and ankle motion during stance and swing phases of gait. A photodiode triggering system allows the active set to be interfaced with a variety of 3-D video-based motion analysis systems. Ten normal children aged 7-10 years old were examined with the active marker system. Tri-planar foot and ankle kinematic characteristics of this population are described. This information may prove useful for advancing clinical treatment of pediatric foot and ankle pathology.