Inertial control: a novel technique for in-vitro analysis of foot function

Background In-vitro gait simulations have great potential, allowing a systematic analysis of the foot function. However, it is important that the loading conditions are realistic i.e. physiologic ground reaction forces (GRF). In most experiments, in-vivo measured GRF can be imposed [1,2]. However in experimental designs that evaluate the effect of altered muscle forces on foot motion this is more complex; the effect of the altered muscle activity on the loading and kinematics cannot be taken into consideration. Therefore, we investigated the use of a new technique to simulate such cases with realistic loading conditions.