How do skeletal and postural parameters contribute to maintain balance during walking?

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Locomotion
• Gait Analysis

Background:

• Gait balance is crucial for minimizing energy expenditure and preventing falls.
• The relationship between the center of mass (COM) and center of pressure (COP) quantifies gait balance.
• Demographic, skeletal, and postural parameters are known determinants of gait balance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the key demographic and skeletal determinants of dynamic gait balance in asymptomatic adults.
• To investigate the influence of various skeletal and demographic parameters on COM-COP relationships during gait.

Main Methods:

• 115 adults underwent 3D gait analysis and full-body biplanar X-rays.
• COM-COP angles in frontal and sagittal planes were calculated, along with their maxima, minima, and range of motion (ROM).
• Detailed skeletal parameters of the spine, pelvis, and lower limbs were measured, followed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Main Results:

• Frontal plane balance was correlated with weight, age, height, SVA, T1T12 angle, and pelvic width.
• Sagittal plane balance was correlated with acetabular tilt and anteversion.
• Multivariate analysis revealed height, weight, sex, and posterior acetabular coverage as significant determinants of frontal plane balance, while height and SVA influenced sagittal plane balance.

Conclusions:

• Frontal plane gait imbalance is primarily linked to demographic factors.
• Sagittal plane gait imbalance is associated with weight, height, acetabular parameters, and SVA.
• Acetabular parameters and SVA, in addition to demographic factors, are significant determinants of gait balance.