Expressing gait-line symmetry in able-bodied gait

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Gait Analysis
• Human Movement Science

Background:

• Gait-lines, derived from vertical ground reaction force, are common in-sole system parameters.
• Understanding normal gait-line patterns and asymmetry is limited.
• No reference databases exist for healthy young populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide reference data for gait-line asymmetry in healthy young adults.
• To establish normal limits for gait-line asymmetry.
• To improve the clinical application of in-sole gait analysis tools.

Main Methods:

• Collected vertical ground reaction force data from 77 healthy young subjects using a Computer Dyno Graphy in-sole system.
• Calculated Asymmetry Coefficient Curve (AsC) between left and right foot gait-lines.
• Compared AsC data from subjects with pathological gait (lumbar discopathy) to able-bodied reference data.

Main Results:

• Non-pathological gait asymmetry limits for gait-lines were determined to be within 12-16%.
• Pathological gait exhibited asymmetry outside +/- 1.96 and +/- 3 standard deviations (SD) limits.
• Specific plantarflexor and dorsiflexor weakness led to distinct deviations from normal gait-line asymmetry patterns.

Conclusions:

• A reference database for gait-line asymmetry in young, healthy adults has been established.
• Suggested non-pathological gait-line asymmetry limits are provided.
• Identified limits for detailed case analysis in clinical settings.