Comparative kinematics of two walking frame gaits

Walking frames are commonly used as part of the gait rehabilitation process for a variety of clinical conditions. There has been little investigation of the characteristics of gait with such frames or of the advantages of one gait style compared with others. The kinematics of two simulated gait patterns with walking frames were investigated using conventional video analysis techniques. The purpose of the study was to compare the two gaits with respect to patterns of joint motion and temporospatial parameters. It was found that simultaneous motion of the protected limb and the frame during stepping (gait S) permitted a faster walking speed than a gait in which the frame and the protected limb were moved separately (gait D). Although the patterns of hip motion in both aided gaits differed markedly from that found in free gait, gait S encouraged more hip extension on the protected side than gait D. Since this is seen as a desirable feature in gait retraining, patients using walking frames, particularly after hip trauma, should be assessed carefully and encouraged to use gait pattern S when possible.