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Optimal walking in terms of variability in step length
1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Sciences, Showa University, Kanagawa, Japan.
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|November 14, 1997
Summary
Human walking exhibits optimal conditions for spatial consistency at preferred speeds. This study reveals that minimizing step length variability occurs near preferred walking speeds and step rates, suggesting optimized gait performance.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human locomotion
- Gait analysis
Background:
- Previous research identified optimal walking conditions for temporal consistency, energy cost, and attentional demand.
- Optimal conditions regarding spatial variability in human walking remain unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if an optimal walking speed minimizes intrasubject variability in step length and width during free walking.
- To determine if an optimal step rate minimizes step length variability during walking with imposed step rates.
Main Methods:
- Healthy students walked on a walkway wearing shoes with ink-applied felt squares.
- Experiment 1: Free walking at five speeds with self-selected step rates.
- Experiment 2: Walking at three speeds with five imposed step rates.
Main Results:
- Minimum variable error (VE) in step length during free walk occurred near preferred walking speed.
- VE in step width increased linearly with walking speed.
- Minimum VE in step length under imposed step rates was observed at step rates close to those used in free walk.
Conclusions:
- Everyday walking at preferred speeds and freely chosen step rates optimizes gait performance consistency.
- Intrasubject variability in step length is a potential metric for evaluating walking patterns.