A new coordination pattern classification to assess gait kinematics when utilising a modified vector coding...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Gait Analysis
• Movement Science

Background:

• Quantifying lumbar-pelvic coordination during gait is crucial for understanding movement.
• Existing vector coding (VC) techniques provide a coupling angle (CA) but lack detailed interpretation.
• A need exists for a more comprehensive classification of gait coordination patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel classification system for lumbar-pelvic coordination patterns during gait.
• To expand the interpretation of the coupling angle (CA) by defining new coordination patterns.
• To provide a clearer understanding of segmental rotations and dominant movement during gait.

Main Methods:

• A modified vector coding (VC) technique was employed to analyze lumbar-pelvic coordination.
• The coupling angle (CA) was classified into four new patterns: in-phase with proximal/distal dominancy and anti-phase with proximal/distal dominancy.
• A new illustration technique was developed to visualize the distribution of CA and quantify segmental dominancy.

Main Results:

• The new classification provides detailed information on in-phase and anti-phase coordination.
• It clarifies the direction of segmental rotations and identifies the dominant moving segment.
• The proposed illustration effectively visualizes gait coordination data and segmental dominancy.

Conclusions:

• The novel classification system enhances the interpretation of gait coordination data derived from the coupling angle.
• This approach offers valuable insights into segmental range of motion and movement patterns.
• The developed illustration technique facilitates comprehensible presentation of gait coordination for researchers and clinicians.