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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
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Using a Split-belt Treadmill to Evaluate Generalization of Human Locomotor Adaptation
Published on: August 23, 2017
Gait parameters and stride-to-stride variability during familiarization to walking on a split-belt treadmill
Joseph A Zeni1, Jill S Higginson
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA. jzenijr@gmail.com
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Familiarization with split-belt treadmills is crucial for accurate gait analysis. A minimum of 5 minutes of treadmill walking ensures reproducible kinetic, kinematic, and spatio-temporal gait parameters.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Split-belt treadmills can initially alter gait patterns and increase parameter variability in unfamiliar subjects.
- Previous research focused on kinematic variables; this study assessed kinetic, kinematic, and spatio-temporal parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the familiarization period needed for reproducible gait patterns on a split-belt treadmill.
- To assess kinetic, kinematic, and spatio-temporal parameters during a single treadmill walking session.
Main Methods:
- Eleven healthy subjects walked on a split-belt treadmill for 9 minutes.
- Kinematic and kinetic data were collected, analyzing ground reaction forces, knee flexion, step width, and step length.
- Variability was assessed using r(2) values for joint angles, moments, and ground reaction forces.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in variability were observed for ground reaction forces and step length within 9 minutes.
- Step width was the only parameter to show a change in mean value.
- No increase in stride-to-stride variability was noted after the 5-minute mark.
Conclusions:
- A familiarization period of at least 5 minutes is recommended for accurate gait analysis on split-belt treadmills.
- This duration ensures reproducible gait parameters, enhancing data reliability.
