Ankle neuro-muscular model to study ankle instability

We are looking for a bachelor or master student of Movement Science, Physical Education or Physiotherapy with an interest in clinical biomechanics and affinity for foot and ankle or related problems. The assignment includes a review of foot posture classifications and support in on-going balance measurements.

Background and aim

In the normal healthy population, foot postures range from pes varus to pes valgus. These foot postures are classified in a therapeutic setting by means of observations and measurements, or in a clinical setting by means of X-ray and MRI images. Many studies have demonstrated the effects of foot posture on gait and running kinematics, muscle activity and the risk of injury. However, little is known about pathologic foot posture: i.e. those cases where an abnormal foot posture is acquired due to foot muscle weakness or a trauma.

The aim of this study is to review foot posture classifications and come up with a therapeutic way to score acquired pathological foot posture by means of observations or measurements.

Your assignment

Your individual assignment is to look into foot posture classification by means of a small review study. Secondly, from the data included in your review, you will assess if it is possible to define individual temporal of definite pathologic foot posture. Or develop your own idea how such an assessment would be possible. You will be part of a small research team looking into foot and ankle instability from a clinical and mathematical perspective. The team will assess balance of patients and healthy controls using, among others, kinematic and EMG measurements. If you are interested, you can also support the on-going balance assessments.

At the end of the assignment, you are expected to hand in a comprehensive report containing information on your problem background and the aim of your study, your method, results, discussion and a final conclusion.

What else do you need to know?

You will be working in the department of Movement Science located at Horstmarer Landweg 50 in Münster. Starting date:  As soon as possible. Duration:  max 10 weeks.

Contact

If you are interested in this assignment and able to fulfil the assignment within the given time frame, please contact Rosemary Dubbeldam at r.dubbeldam@uni-muenster.de.