9725134 Bruckner The object of the proposed research is to gather additional preliminary data to support the development of computer models and new technological tools for the evaluation, treatment and prevention of gait disorders arising from foot problems associated with subtalar joint (STJ), located between the talus and the calcaneus in the foot, plays a significant role in both the efficiency of modern human bipedal locomotion and the pathogenesis of injuries in the foot, knee, pelvic girdle and low back. The PI's investigations show that some STJ configurations mechanically restrict joint range of motion (ROM) while other STJ facet configurations do not. Persons with the more restricted or "rigid" STJ configurations have a statistically significant higher incidence of heel spurs than people with mobile STJ configurations. Others have found that osteoarthritis is more prevalent in joints with mobile STJ configurations and conclude that the osteophytes probably form to stabilize a structurally hypermobile system. This SGER proposal is designed to gather evidence supporting the hypothesis that people with rigid STJ configurations have a measurable difference in their gait patterns when compared to people with mobile STJ configurations. This study represents a small-scale, exploratory investigation in support of a long term goal of uniting bioengineering with physical therapy to address some of the biomechanical problems seen in the foot, lower limb and spine. The results will be new technological tools that will enable clinicians to identify foot deformities with a high degree of validity and reliability, study the gait of people with foot deformities and fabricate shoes and foot orthoses dynamically to correct and, eventually, prevent gait problems. ***
