Using the loading response peak for defining gait cycle timing: A novel solution for the double-belt problem.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Gait Analysis
• Human Movement Science

Background:

• Split-belt treadmills (SBTM) utilize force plates to measure ground reaction forces (GRF).
• Initial contact (IC) detection from GRF is crucial for temporal gait parameter calculation.
• The double-belt problem (DBP) arises when participants cross limbs, obscuring IC and compromising gait analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a complementary gait event detection method for SBTM analysis.
• To address the limitations imposed by the double-belt problem (DBP) on temporal gait parameter calculation.
• To establish a reliable anchor point for gait parameter calculation beyond initial contact (IC).

Main Methods:

• Utilized GRF data from 20 adults walking on an SBTM.
• Developed a loading response peak (LRP) detection method as an alternative to IC detection.
• Evaluated the LRP method's accuracy using no-crossing gait data and compared it with IC-based parameters.
• Assessed correspondence between LRP and IC methods during crossing and no-crossing conditions.

Main Results:

• The LRP detection method demonstrated normalized errors of ≤5.1% compared to the IC method.
• Strong correlations (Intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.97) were observed between gait parameters calculated using LRP and IC detection.
• The LRP method proved effective even during gait periods affected by the double-belt problem (DBP).

Conclusions:

• Gait cycle timing detection based on the LRP is a reliable method for estimating temporal gait parameters.
• The LRP detection method shows high correspondence with the established gold-standard IC detection method.
• This approach offers a robust solution for gait analysis on SBTMs, particularly when the DBP occurs.