Sex and gender reporting in gait literature: A scoping review

Sex and gender are commonly reported in gait literature, but terminology is often poorly defined or conflated, making findings difficult to interpret. Improving reporting will support a more nuanced interpretation of sex and gender in gait research. The guiding research question was: How are sex and gender being reported by authors in gait literature?

A scoping review was conducted using a title, abstract, and keyword search of the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases. Included studies were in English, included adults over 18, and reported at least one defined spatiotemporal gait parameter. Sex and gender reporting was assessed for consistency of overall reporting and adherence to the Sex and gender equity reporting (SAGER) guidelines. Key gait parameter findings were summarized FINDINGS: 41 articles were included; only 6 consistently and accurately reported sex and/or gender. None defined sex or gender in the methods. Most discussed previous sex/gender differences in their findings (n = 33, 80.5 %), why sex/gender are important to consider, and the expected differences (n = 33, 80.5 %), and the potential implications of the sex/gender findings (n = 38, 92.6 %). Gait speed was the most reported gait parameter, with half of the studies reporting only gait speed INTERPRETATION: This study highlights that sex and gender terminology in the gait literature are reported inconsistently and often conflated, which may limit clarity regarding study populations and results. Clear definitions and consistent reporting can support a more nuanced understanding of the influences of sex- and gender-related factors on the gait literature.