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Postural Organization of Gait Initiation for Biomechanical Analysis Using Force Platform Recordings
Published on: July 26, 2022
Gait analysis using a force-measuring gangway: intrasession repeatability in healthy adults
L N Veilleux1, M Robert, L Ballaz
1Centre de Réadaptation Marie-Enfant, Research Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions
|March 3, 2011
Summary
Gait analysis using a force plate system demonstrated high repeatability for healthy adults. Standardizing test conditions, such as footwear, is crucial for consistent gait parameter measurement.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Analysis
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Gait analysis is essential for understanding human locomotion.
- Force plate systems offer objective measurement of gait parameters.
- Repeatability of these measurements is critical for clinical and research applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the intra-day repeatability of gait parameters measured by the Leonardo Mechanograph® GW force plate system.
- To compare gait characteristics between barefoot and shod conditions.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen healthy adults walked on a 10m walkway, with vertical ground reaction forces measured.
- Participants completed three trials each for barefoot and shod walking conditions.
- Each trial involved three 10m walks to ensure sufficient data capture.
Main Results:
- High repeatability was observed for primary force, time, distance, and velocity parameters (ICC > 0.90, CV 2-4%).
- Walking in shoes significantly altered gait: 14% lower peak vertical ground reaction force, 5% longer step length, 2% higher average velocity, and reduced lateral center of force translation.
- Minimal differences were found between repeated trials within each condition.
Conclusions:
- The Leonardo Mechanograph® GW system provides repeatable intra-day gait analysis results in healthy adults.
- Footwear significantly influences gait parameters, highlighting the need for standardized testing conditions.
- Consistent methodology is essential for reliable gait data interpretation.
