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Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds
Published on: August 25, 2020
Gait Pattern at Different Speeds in Persons With Haemophilia
Marius Brühl1,2, Pia Möllers1, Jamil Hmida1,2
1Department of Sports Medicine, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany.
Summary
Persons with haemophilia (PwH) experience altered walking patterns, particularly those with severe haemophilic arthropathy (HA). Reduced ankle mobility and altered pressure distribution indicate impaired gait, though it appears well-compensated.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Persons with haemophilia (PwH) are prone to joint bleeding, leading to haemophilic arthropathy (HA) and deformities.
- HA commonly affects the ankles, knees, and elbows, impacting mobility.
- Understanding gait alterations in PwH is crucial for managing joint health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of walking speed and HA severity on foot pressure distribution.
- To analyze average vertical peak pressure during walking in PwH.
- To assess knee and ankle joint angles during gait in PwH compared to controls.
Main Methods:
- Gait analysis using a motion system (DIERS 4DmotionLab) on 30 PwH and 31 healthy controls (CG).
- Evaluations conducted at walking speeds of 3, 4, and 5 km/h.
- PwH subgroups included PwH(major) and PwH(minor) based on HA severity.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in peak pressure distribution between PwH and CG across speeds.
- PwH(major) showed reduced average vertical peak pressure in late stance phase (p < 0.007).
- PwH(major) exhibited reduced ankle plantar flexion (p = 0.041) and dorsiflexion (p = 0.011), with non-significant knee flexion changes.
Conclusions:
- PwH, especially with advanced HA, demonstrate impaired gait patterns.
- Reduced force transmission in the stance phase and ankle joint mobility issues are noted in PwH.
- Despite gait alterations, PwH appear to compensate effectively for impaired power transmission during propulsion.
