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Updated: Jul 24, 2025
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Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults
Published on: November 7, 2014
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Forward and Backward Walking: Multifactorial Characterization of Gait Parameters.
Lucia Donno1, Cecilia Monoli1,2, Carlo Albino Frigo1
1Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 11, 2023
Summary
Backward walking shows significant kinematic and kinetic differences compared to forward walking, with reduced joint motion and altered joint powers. These findings offer reference data for backward walking
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Locomotion
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Extensive research exists on forward walking.
- Comprehensive gait parameter assessments on homogenous populations are lacking.
- Understanding backward walking mechanics is crucial for rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze differences between forward and backward walking typologies.
- To provide a comprehensive assessment of gait parameters in a homogenous population.
- To establish reference data for backward walking efficacy in rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a marker-based optoelectronic system.
- Employed force platforms for kinetic data collection.
- Analyzed spatial-temporal parameters, kinematics, and kinetics in 24 healthy adults.
Main Results:
- Significant differences observed in most spatial-temporal parameters between forward and backward walking.
- Hip and knee range of motion significantly reduced in backward walking.
- Hip and ankle joint moment patterns were mirrored; joint powers were reduced during backward gait.
Conclusions:
- Backward walking involves distinct adaptation mechanisms compared to forward walking.
- Significant differences in joint motion and power generation/absorption exist.
- This study provides valuable reference data for evaluating backward walking as a rehabilitation tool.
