A Model of the Foot and Ankle in Running

Abstract

We present several variations on a model and simulation of the foot and ankle during the course of one running stride. We summarize the motivation behind the model and similar work in the field, then describe the model and the results obtained. In the model, the shin and foot are each represented by thin rods, while two major muscle groups are modeled as exponential springs. The ground is modeled as a network of points connected by damped linear springs. Results on ground impact forces and physiological parameters are presented. In particular, we find that heel striking tends to produce higher peak impact forces than forefoot striking, we search for foot parameters producing the most effective foot strike, we compare force-time data obtained to experimental results, and we compare the effects of different ground and shoe properties on foot strike.