Predicting step time from step length and velocity

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between step time and step length in a healthy population of young adults. The sample was composed of 10 females and 10 males with ages ranging from 19 to 25 years. The subjects walked along a resistive grid walkway at an audio-controlled cadence of 80 steps per minute. These trials consisted of two walks with asymmetrical step lengths (2/4 time), two walks with asymmetrical step times (3/4 time) and two in which the only constraint was the cadence. The results indicate that the values of average velocity and average step length can be used to calculate step time with reasonable accuracy in a symmetrical walking pattern, but not under conditions of induced step length or step time asymmetries. It is suggested that stride frequency rather than cadence be used, particularly when measurements are made from patients with asymmetrical walking patterns.