Balint G, Korda J, Hangody L, et al: Foot and ankle disorders. .Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 17::87. ,2003. .
Benvenuti F, Ferrucci L, Guralnik JM, et al: Foot pain and disability in older persons: an epidemiologic survey. .J Am Geriatr Soc 43::479. ,1995. .
Menz H, Lord S: Foot problems, functional impairment, and falls in older people. .JAPMA 89::458. ,1999. .
Dananberg HJ: Functional hallux limitus and its relationship to gait efficiency. .JAPMA 76::648. ,1986. .
Dananberg HJ: Gait style as an etiology to chronic postural pain: part I. Functional hallux limitus. .JAPMA 83::433. ,1993. .
Dananberg HJ: Chronic low-back pain and its response to custom-made orthoses. .JAPMA 89::109. ,1999. .
Harradine P, Bevan L, Carter N: Gait dysfunction and podiatric therapy: part 1. Foot based models and orthotic management. .Br J Podiatr 6::5. ,2003. .
Dananberg HJ: “Gait Style and its Relevance in the Management of Chronic Lower Back Pain,” in Proceedings of the 4th Interdisciplinary World Congress of Low Back and Pelvic Pain, ed by A Vleeming, V Mooney, S Gracovetsky, D Lee, November 8–10, p 225. ,2001. .
Payne C, Chutter V, Miller K: Sensitivity and specificity of the functional hallux limitus test to predict foot function. .JAPMA 92::269. ,2002. .
Longworth R, Chockalingam N, Redmond A: An enhanced protocol to reduce error in electromagnetic tracking of first metatarsophalangeal joint motions. .Gait Posture 23::391. ,2006. .
Halstead J, Redmond A: Weight-bearing passive dorsiflexion of the hallux in standing is not related to hallux dorsiflexion during standing. .J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 36::550. ,2006. .
Hall C, Nester C: Sagittal plane compensations for the artificially induced limitation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: a preliminary study. .JAPMA 94::269. ,2004. .
Harradine P, Bevan L: The effect of rearfoot eversion on maximal hallux dorsiflexion. .JAPMA 90::390. ,2000. .
Bevan L, Harradine P, Durrant B: The effect of temporary immobilisation of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint upon in-shoe gait analysis parameters: a preliminary study. .Br J Podiatr 7::54. ,2004. .
Bojsen-Møller F: Calcaneocuboid joint and stability of the longitudinal arch of the foot at high and low gear push off. .J Anat 129::165. ,1979.
Hicks JH: Mechanics of the foot: part I. The joints. .J Anat 87::345. ,1953. .
Cheung J, Zhang M, An K: Effects of plantar fascia stiffness on the biomechanical responses of the ankle foot complex. .Clin Biomech 19::839. ,2004. .
Sharkey N, Ferris L, Donahue SW: Biomechanical consequences of plantar fascial release or rupture during gait: part 1. Disruptions in longitudinal arch conformation. .Foot Ankle Int 19::812. ,1998. .
Thordarson D, Schmotzer H, Chon J, et al: Dynamic support of the human arch, a biomechanical evaluation. ,Clin Orthop Relat Res 316::165. ,1995. .
Joseph J: Range of movement in the great toe in men. .J Bone Joint Surg Br 36::450. ,1954. .
Root ML, Orien WP, Weed JH: Normal and Abnormal Function of the Foot, Vol 2, Clinical Biomechanics Corp, Los Angeles. ,1977. .
Mann R, Hagy J: The function of the toes in walking, jogging and running. .Clin Orthop 142::24. ,1979. .
Bojsen-Møller F, Lamoreux L: The significance of free dorsiflexion of the toes in walking. .Acta Orthop Scand 50::471. ,1979. .
Gerbert J (ED): Textbook of Bunion Surgery, Future Publishing, Mount Kisco, New York. ,1989. .
Hetherington V, Johnson R, Albritton J, et al: Necessary dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint during gait. .J Foot Surg 29::218. ,1990. .
Hopson M, McPoil T, Cornwall M: Motion at the first metatarsophalangeal joint, reliability and validity of four measurement techniques. .JAPMA 85::198. ,1995. .
Lee W: Podiatric biomechanics: a historical appraisal and discussion of the root model as a clinical system of approach in the present context of uncertainty. .Clin Podiatr Med Surg 18::555. ,2001. .
McPoil T, Hunt G: Evaluation and management of foot and ankle disorders: present problems and future directions. .J Phys Ther Sport 21::381. ,1995. .
Nawoczenski D, Baumhauer J, Umberger B, et al: Relationship between clinical measurements and motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint during gait. .J Bone Joint Surg 81::370. ,1999. .
Halstead J, Turner D, Redmond A: The relationship between hallux dorsiflexion and ankle joint complex frontal plane kinematics: a preliminary study. .Clin Biomech 20::526. ,2005. .
Fuller E: The windlass mechanism of the foot. .JAPMA 90::35. ,2000. .
Perry J: Gait Analysis: Normal and Pathologic Function, Slack, Thorofare, NJ. ,1992. .
Hicks JH: Mechanics of the foot: part II. Plantar aponeurosis and the arch. .J Anat 88::25. ,1954. .
Vleeming A, Snijders F, Stoekart R, et al: “The Role of the Sacroiliac Joint in Coupling between Spine, Pelvis, Legs and Arms,” in Movement Stability and Lower Back Pain, ed by A Vleeming, V Mooney, T Dorman, F Snijders, R Stoekart, Churchill Livingston, London. ,1997. .
Chapman C: Functional hallux limitus, the essentials. .Br J Podiatr 2::40. ,1999. .
Downey M: “Tarsal Coalition,” in Comprehensive Text Book of Foot Surgery, Vol 1, ed by A Banks, M Downey, Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore. ,1992. .
Functional hallux limitus is defined as a functional inability of the proximal phalanx of the hallux to extend on the first metatarsal head during gait. The theory concerning this anomaly and the altered gait characteristics that may result appears to have influenced the understanding of sagittal plane podiatric biomechanics. Although there is an increase in the body of evidence to support the proposed gait alterations, a detailed review suggests the need for further work. The aim of this article is to review the functional hallux limitus literature and its reported effects on gait. Furthermore, we explore some of the key and inherent problems with obtaining accurate data for joint motion measurement in the foot. With evidence-based practice now at the forefront of both clinical and academic practice, it is imperative to review the literature that underpins a particular commonly held or historical belief, in order to substantiate and validate subsequent diagnoses and treatments provided in light of this information. This is also true to advance the understanding of a particular anomaly or pathology and to inform so as to facilitate the provision of better care to patients. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(3): 236–243, 2009)