MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF THE PLANTAR APONEUROSIS

Material properties of the plantar aponeurosis were determined by a tw o-dimensional video tracking method to simultaneously measure the apon eurosis deformation. Failure loads averaged 1189 +/- 244 N and were hi gher in men. Average stiffness of the intact fascia was 203.7 +/- 50.5 N/mm at a loading rate of 11.12 N/sec and did not vary significantly for the loading rates of 11.12 to 1112 N/sec. The high tensile loads r equired for failure were consistent with clinical and biomechanical st udies and indicated the importance of the aponeurosis in foot function and arch stability.