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Biomechanical gait analysis in obese men.
P Spyropoulos1, J C Pisciotta, K N Pavlou
1University of Miami, School of Medicine, Physical Therapy Program, Coral Gables, FL, Gait 33146.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Obese men walk slower with shorter strides and wider steps compared to nonobese men. Their hip, knee, and ankle movements differ, impacting overall walking gait kinematics.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity is a growing global health concern.
- Understanding the biomechanical effects of obesity on gait is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the kinematic components of walking gait in obese men versus nonobese men.
- To identify specific gait alterations associated with obesity.
Main Methods:
- Cinematography was used to record self-paced walking trials.
- 12 obese male volunteers (30-47 years old, 70-99% above ideal body weight) participated.
- Gait parameters including speed, stride length, step width, and joint angles were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Obese men walked significantly slower (1.09 m/sec) than nonobese men (1.64 m/sec).
- Obese men exhibited shorter strides (1.25m vs 1.67m) and wider steps (.16m vs .08m).
- Significant differences were observed in hip abduction, ankle dorsiflexion, and ankle plantar flexion angles between groups.
Conclusions:
- Obese individuals display a walking gait pattern that is fundamentally normal but with distinct temporal and angular modifications.
- Excessive adipose tissue, particularly in the thighs, appears to be a primary factor influencing these gait differences.
- These findings highlight the biomechanical adaptations to obesity during locomotion.