Limb-dominance and gender differences in the ground reaction force during single-leg lateral jump-landings

The notion of limb dominance has been commonly used in the upper extremity, yet the two lower extremities are often treated as equal for analytical purposes. Attempts to determine the effects of limb laterality on gait have produced conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to determine if limb dominance affects the vertical ground reaction force and center of pressure (COP) during able-bodied gait. The Parotec system (Paromed GmbH, Germany) was used to collect plantar foot pressure data. Fifteen subjects volunteered to participate in this study. The coefficient of variation of the COP displacement in the mediolateral direction and the variability of peak force beneath the lateral forefoot in the nondominant foot were significant greater than in the dominant foot. Moreover, COP velocity in the anterior-posterior direction during the terminal stance phase showed greater value in the dominant foot. Our study provides support for limb laterality by showing limb dominance affected the vertical ground reaction force and center of pressure during walking gait. This finding suggests it is an important issue in movement science for clinicians and would assist in improving sports performance and rehabilitation program.

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Computed dynography, a method for evaluation of gait pattern in treated cases of congenital talipes equino varus

International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4510.intjresorthop20201105 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 611

Author(s):

Akshay Jain ◽

Adhir Jain ◽

Ravi Kant Jain ◽

Prateek Pathak

Keyword(s):

Ground Reaction Force ◽

Reaction Force ◽

Gait Pattern ◽

Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽

Age And Gender ◽

Double Support ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Vertical Ground ◽

Congenital Talipes ◽

And Gender

Background: Club foot is characterized by inversion, adduction and equinus. Currently, evaluation of children treated for congenital talipes equino varus (CTEV) includes clinical and radiological examination as well as assessment of function. However, none of the methods is ideal. There should be objective methods for better evaluation of function in treated CTEV. Gait analysis is the emerging method in objectively assessing the functional outcome. The aim of the study was to compare the selected measures from vertical ground reaction force variables and gait parameters of treated CTEV children with plantigrade feet, to healthy age and gender matched control group.Methods: We took 31 children with treated CTEV with mean age 8.21 years and compared with 31 age and gender matched controls. The patients were initially treated under a standard protocol. Gait cycle properties, step time parameters and vertical ground reaction force variables were recorded and comparison of unilateral and bilateral cases of treated CTEV was done with that of controls.Results: Data showed that despite good clinical results and overall function, residual intoeing, lateral foot walking, mild foot drop, weak plantar flexor power, possible residual inversion deformity of the foot, increased frequency and decreased duration of cycle and asymmetry in gait were the main characteristics of gait of children with treated CTEV. In unilateral cases single and double support times were decreased and in bilateral CTEV double support times are increased.Conclusions: The study confirms that in clubfoot patients who underwent full treatment, gait parameters do not reach normal levels. Gait analysis can be used to quantify gait pattern characteristics and is helpful in evaluation and further development of treatment of patients.

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