In recent years, interest in finding alternatives for the evaluation of mobility has increased. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) stand out for their portability, size, and low price. The objective of this study was to examine the accuracy and repeatability of a commercially available IMU under controlled conditions in healthy subjects. A total of 36 subjects, including 17 males and 19 females were analyzed with a Wiva Science IMU in a corridor test while walking for 10 m and in a threadmill at 1.6 km/h, 2.4 km/h, 3.2 km/h, 4 km/h, and 4.8 km/h for one minute. We found no difference when we compared the variables at 4 km/h and 4.8 km/h. However, we found greater differences and errors at 1.6 km/h, 2.4 km/h and 3.2 km/h, and the latter one (1.6 km/h) generated more error. The main conclusion is that the Wiva Science IMU is reliable at high speeds but loses reliability at low speeds.

Background: Plantar pressure measurement has become increasingly relevant in fields such as sports performance, rehabilitation, and podiatry. Its outcomes are influenced by factors including foot morphology, body weight, joint mobility, and biological sex, with documented anatomical and physiological differences between men and women potentially affecting load distribution. Morton’s extension, an orthotic device used to restore first ray function, has shown clinical efficacy in managing forefoot pathologies. However, limited research has examined its biomechanical effects with respect to sex. This study aimed to evaluate the differential impact of Morton’s extension on plantar pressure distribution in men and women, under both static and dynamic conditions. Methods: A sex comparing clinical trial intervention study was conducted with 18 men´s feet (38.11 ± 15.49 years) and 32 women´s feet (41.63 ± 15.22 years), who underwent plantar pressure assessments using a calibrated platform before and after the application of a Morton extension. Static and dynamic measurements were recorded under both conditions to evaluate changes in pressure distribution. A mixed models static analysis was done to check that there are differences by sex on foot. Findings: The following results summarize statistically significant differences observed between sexes under both static and dynamic conditions, with and without Morton’s extension. In static pressures without Morton’s extension, statistically significant results were found in P.Max.Rtp.(kPa) (p = 0.006) and Medium.pressure.Rtp.(kPa) (p < 0.001). With Morton’s extension in static conditions, significant differences were observed in P.Max.1M.(kPa) (p = 0.034), P.Max.Rtp.(kPa) (p = 0.017), and Medium.pressure.Rtp.(kPa) (p = 0.003). In dynamic pressures, before the intervention, statistically significant differences between sexes were observed in P.Max.1M.(kPa) (p = 0.023), Medium.pressure.1M.(kPa) (p = 0.008), Contact.Surfaces.(cm²) (p = 0.008), and Step.duration.(Milliseconds) (p = 0.048). After the intervention, additional significant differences were found in Contact.Surfaces.(cm²) (p = 0.009). Conclusion: The combined evidence indicates that Morton’s extension elicits clinically meaningful, sex-dependent alterations in plantar loading. By applying mixed-effects models we uncovered subtle intra- and interindividual patterns that conventional analyses may overlook. These results support sex-specific orthotic dosing (height/geometry) and argue for individualized prescription to maximize load redistribution, reduce focal overpressure and prevent site-specific pathology. Future work should validate optimal orthotic designs using dynamic 3D gait analysis and computational modelling.

Functional hallux limitus (FHL) is a biomechanical condition defined by restricted motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint during walking, which may impair stability and increase fall risk in older adults. This study compared fall risk between patients with asymptomatic FHL and healthy controls using validated assessments. The case–control design included 40 participants over 65 years, divided into 20 with FHL and 20 controls. Mobility was evaluated with the Timed Up and Go Test, postural stability with the Berg Balance Scale, and fear of falling with the Falls Efficacy Scale—International (FES-I). Spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured using an inertial measurement unit (IMU). No significant differences were found between groups in the Timed Up and Go Test (p = 0.694), Berg Balance Scale (p = 0.903), Falls Efficacy Scale—International (p = 0.913), or spatiotemporal parameters. These results suggest that asymptomatic FHL does not significantly affect mobility, stability, or fear of falling in older adults, indicating that it is not a determining factor for fall risk under controlled conditions. Further research is needed in less controlled settings or in patients with painful FHL.