In vitro simulation of stance phase gait part I: Model verification.

An in vitro simulator was developed to reproduce the kinematics and kinetics of stance phase gait on cadaver foot specimens. Ground reaction force was applied by a tilting angle- and force-controlled translation stage upon which a pressure measuring platform was mounted; tibial rotation was reproduced by a servomotor. Force was applied to nine tendons of the foot flexor and extensor muscle groups, and three-dimensional hind- and forefoot motion was measured. The model was verified based on in vivo kinematic and kinetic measurements. It was found to be in good general agreement with some exceptions which include a slightly more lateral gait line.