Verification of Reliability and Validity of Trunk Forward Tilt Angle Measurement During Gait Using 2-Dimensional...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Gait Analysis
• Motion Analysis

Background:

• Trunk forward tilt angle is a key parameter in gait analysis.
• Accurate measurement is crucial for understanding biomechanical alterations.
• 2-dimensional motion analysis offers a potentially accessible method for such measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To verify the reliability and validity of trunk forward tilt angle measurement during gait.
• To assess the performance of open-source Kinovea software for this specific application.

Main Methods:

• 48 healthy young adults participated in the study.
• Synchronous 2D motion analysis (Kinovea) and 3D motion analysis were performed during normal gait.
• Intraclass correlation coefficient, minimum detectable change, and Bland-Altman analysis were used to evaluate measurement accuracy.

Main Results:

• Kinovea demonstrated high reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.925 (maximum) and 0.918 (minimum).
• Correlation coefficients with 3D analysis were strong (r=0.964 to 0.970).
• Low measurement error (average difference -0.51° to -0.55°, SD 0.66° to 0.91°) was observed.

Conclusions:

• 2-dimensional motion analysis using Kinovea is a reliable and valid method for measuring trunk forward tilt angle during gait in young adults.
• This approach provides a cost-effective and accessible tool for gait research and clinical practice.