Footfall-Dependent Biomechanical Differences in Walking and Running

OBJECTIVES This study investigated biomechanical differences in lower limb joint motion, muscle activation, and plantar pressure associated with various footfall patterns during walking and running. METHODS Using inertial measurement units (IMUs), electromyography (EMG), and plantar pressure sensors, data were collected from three healthy female participants during treadmill walking and running trials involving heel, midfoot, and forefoot contact conditions. RESULTS Results indicated that running elicited greater joint range of motion across the hip, knee, and ankle, particularly in the sagittal and transverse planes. Tibialis anterior exhibited the highest levels of muscle activation across all conditions, with especially elevated activity during running. Plantar pressure values were higher during heel contact in walking and forefoot contact in running, suggesting increased plantar forces in these conditions. CONCLUSIONS Although no statistical analyses were conducted, the observed trends suggest that footfall strategies influence joint loading and neuromuscular control. These findings may inform the design of targeted gait interventions, athletic training programs, and rehabilitation protocols. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed to validate and expand upon these preliminary observations.