Muscle contributions to mediolateral and anteroposterior foot placement during walking

Foot placement is critical to balance control and is largely performed by muscles. Although gluteus medius activity has been associated with mediolateral (ML) foot placement, it is unknown how other muscles contribute to ML as well as anteroposterior (AP) foot placement. This study investigated muscle contributions to foot placement by quantifying the mechanical power delivered to the foot relative to the pelvis during swing. The ipsilateral gluteus medius, iliopsoas, rectus femoris and hamstrings, and the contralateral gluteus medius and plantarflexors contributed to both AP and ML foot placement. Thus, balance control impairments may be improved by focusing on appropriate coordination of these muscle groups.