ABSTRACT
While a large number of rehabilitation interventions involve the foot and ankle, the contributions of the foot and ankle to normal gait are not well understood.
More specifically, understanding the effects of congenital defects, injuries, or other alterations in the lower limb and particularly the foot and ankle on mobility in children and adults is a continuing challenge to medical rehabilitation researchers. Among the factors contributing to this are the complex structures of the musculoskeletal system in the foot and ankle, the interrelationship with other structures of the lower limb and trunk, the neurological control for activating movement, and developmental aspects of children. Nonetheless, because unassisted or assisted walking/mobility is associated with independence, it is highly valued by children and adults. Providing a scientific basis for movement remains a goal of medical rehabilitation researchers,
in order to inform surgical or other rehabilitation interventions that aim to restore mobility in children and adults.
