Biomechanical changes in hallux valgus in running conditions: a systematic scoping review

Abstract

Hallux valgus (HV) is the most prevalent deformity of the big toe. Little was reported on HV's biomechanics/biomechanical performance under running conditions. This systematic scoping review was conducted to search the peer-reviewed literature for articles reporting the effects of running programs/interventions in patients with HV. Additionally, this study aimed to summarize the available evidence on biomechanics and the effects of running programs/interventions for patients with HV. Peer-reviewed articles were retrieved through a systematic search of the following databases: Scopus, Medline/PubMed, and Google Scholar. Because the data collected in this systematic scoping review were heterogeneous, the data were presented as qualitative/narrative synthesis. A total of 4,523 articles were initially identified through a systematic search of the databases. After removing the duplicates and screening against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 6 articles were finally included. The studies included in this review were published from 2015 to 2022. The majority (66.7%) of the articles included in this review originated from China. Of the studies included, 2 (33.3%) used pre-and post-intervention design, 1 (16.7%) was a randomized controlled intervention, and the rest were cohort studies. The studies included in this review have shown that the biomechanical changes in HV have affected the knee joint movements in the affected patients. The studies included in this review showed that a 12-week minimalist footwear running program intervention resulted in varus realignment of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint and reduced the von Mises stress in the 1st and 2nd metatarsals. HV can affect the biomechanics and performance of the foot of the affected patients. Despite the paucity of studies, barefoot/minimalist footwear running interventions might reduce pain and improve the performance of patients with HV. Future studies are still needed further to understand the biomechanical changes in HV under running conditions.