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Updated: Jul 15, 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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Evaluation of Gait Parameters on Subjects with Hallux Limitus Using an Optogait Sensor System: A Case-Control Study
Aurora Castro-Méndez1, Francisco Javier Canca-Sánchez2, Manuel Pabón-Carrasco1
1Podiatry Department, Universidad de Sevilla, Avicena St., 41009 Sevilla, Spain.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|September 28, 2023
Summary
Limited hallux range of motion (ROM) significantly alters gait space-time parameters, affecting stride length and gait cycle duration. Early identification of hallux limitus (HL) is crucial for maintaining normal gait and a healthy lifestyle.
Area of Science:
- Podiatry
- Biomechanics
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- The foot is integral to the kinetic chain, requiring efficiency throughout the gait cycle.
- Electronic sensor gait analysis is a vital podiatry tool for assessing patient physical status and guiding interventions for limited daily activity.
- Hallux limitus (HL) may impact gait dynamics and the hallux's range of motion (ROM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if hallux limitus (HL) alters gait spatiotemporal parameters.
- To determine if HL affects the gait take-off phase and limits hallux range of motion (ROM).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study compared spatiotemporal gait parameters between subjects with and without structural HL.
- 138 participants (68 HL cases, 70 controls) were analyzed using an OptoGait LED sensor system.
- Gait imbalances were identified using OptoGait photocell gait analysis sensors.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in stride length and gait cycle duration (both feet) between groups.
- Total stride and load response parameters also showed significant differences (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Limited hallux ROM can disrupt normal gait patterns as measured by the Optogait system.
- Prompt identification and management of HL-related gait disturbances are essential for restoring normal gait and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

