Gender differences in walking and running on level and inclined surfaces
Elizabeth S Chumanov1, Cara Wall-Scheffler, Bryan C Heiderscheit
1Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706-1532, USA.
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|September 9, 2008
Summary
Females exhibit greater hip rotation and adduction during walking and running across various speeds and inclines. These kinematic differences may contribute to the higher lower extremity injury rates observed in women.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Gender disparities in lower extremity injury rates are linked to running kinematics.
- Increased non-sagittal pelvic and hip motion in females is a potential contributing factor.
- Previous research has not explored these differences across varied locomotion conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze gender differences in gait kinematics and muscle activity.
- To investigate the influence of speed and surface incline on these differences.
- To determine the role of lower extremity anthropometrics in observed gender variations.
Main Methods:
- Whole body kinematics and lower limb electromyography were recorded in 34 healthy volunteers.
- Participants performed walking and running at various speeds (1.2–3.6 m/s) and inclines (0–15%).
- Joint angles, muscle activities, and anthropometric measures were compared between genders.
Main Results:
- Females showed greater peak hip internal rotation and adduction across all conditions.
- Increased gluteus maximus activity was observed in females.
- Hip adduction correlated with the bi-trochanteric width to leg length ratio.
Conclusions:
- Females demonstrate increased non-sagittal hip motion during locomotion.
- Further research is necessary to link these kinematic differences to injury risk.
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