scholarly journals The Effect of a Curved Non-Motorized treadmill on Running Gait Length, Imbalance and Step Angle

Author(s):  
Andrew Hatchett ◽  
Kaitlyn Armstrong ◽  
Brian Parr ◽  
Mallory Crews ◽  
Charlie Tant

Running on a non-motorized, curved-deck treadmill is thought to improve gait mechanics. It is not known, though, if the change in gait carries over to running on a motorized treadmill or level ground. To determine the effect of running on a curved non-motorized treadmill (CNT) on gait characteristics measured during a subsequent bout of running on a traditional motorized treadmill (TMT). Sixteen healthy college-aged participants, age (mean±SD) 20.4±1.6 years volunteered to have their gait analyzed while running on a TMT and CNT. After familiarization and warm-up on both treadmills, each subject completed five, 4-minute bouts of running alternating between traditional motorized and curved non-motorized treadmills: TMT-1, CNT-1, TMT-2, CNT-2, and TMT-3. Variables of interest included step length (m), stride length (m), imbalance score (%), and step angle (°) and were measured using Optogait gait analysis equipment. Differences in gait char acteristics among TMT-1, TMT-2, and TMT-3 can be attributed to running on the CNT. The results show that running on a CNT resulted in significant changes in gait characteristics. These findings suggest that running on a CNT can significantly alter gait characteristics may result in improvements in running gait that persist to subsequent running on a TMT.

Toxins ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anupam Datta Gupta ◽  
Graeme Tucker ◽  
Simon Koblar ◽  
Renuka Visvanathan ◽  
Ian Cameron

Foot dystonia (FD) is a disabling condition causing pain, spasm and difficulty in walking. We treated fourteen (14) adult patients experiencing FD with onabotulinum toxin A injection into the dystonic foot muscles. We analyzed the spatiotemporal gait utilizing the GaitRite system pre- and 3 weeks post-botulinum toxin injection along with measuring dystonia by the Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Scale (FMDS), pain by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and other lower limb functional outcomes such as gait velocity, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale–Lower Limb Score (UPDRS–LL), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). We found that stride length increased significantly in both the affected (p = 0.02) and unaffected leg (p = 0.01) after treatment, and the improvement in stride length was roughly the same in each leg. Similar results were found for step length (p = 0.02) with improvement in the step length differential (p = 0.01). The improvements in the lower limb functional outcomes were also significant—FMDS, VAS, TUG, and UPDRS–LL decreased significantly after treatment (all p < 0.001), and BBS (p = 0.001), GAS (p < 0.001) except cadence (p = 0.37). BT injection improved walking in foot dystonia as evidenced through gait analysis, pain and lower limb functional outcomes. Main study limitations were small sample size and lack of control.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (02) ◽  
pp. 1650001
Author(s):  
M. M. XUEMEI PIAO ◽  
M. D. LUAN XUE ◽  
M. D. SHUYUN JIANG ◽  
M. D. JIANDONG HU ◽  
M. M. GUOLING LI

The present study aimed to investigate the potential clinical value of three-dimensional gait analysis (3D-GA) system in evaluating ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Thirty-one patients with AS from September 2010 to August 2011, with 32 involved and 30 uninvolved lower limbs, were enrolled. Data of spatio-temporal parameters (step and stride length, velocity and cadence), time parameters (stance, single stance, double stance and swing phases) and kinematics parameters associated with spinal mobility (spinal lateral bending, spinal forward bending and spinal rotation) were analyzed by 3D-GA system, as well as curative effects of biologic therapy. Compared with normal values, AS patients showed decreased step and stride length ([Formula: see text]), increased cadence, longer swing and single stance phases ([Formula: see text]) and shorter stance and double stance phases ([Formula: see text]) in uninvolved lower limbs. In AS patients, reduced step length, stride length, velocity and cadence, shorter swing and single stance phases, longer stance and double stance phases ([Formula: see text]), increased lateral bending angle and decreased spinal rotation ([Formula: see text]) were detected by 3D-GA in involved lower limbs compared with uninvolved ones. In the 16 patients with decreased levels of ESR and CRP and improved ASAS scores after biology therapy, increased step length, stride length, velocity and cadence of the involved lower limbs were detected by 3D-GA ([Formula: see text]), as well as improved spinal mobility ([Formula: see text]). Hence, we concluded that 3D-GA has great potential value of clinical application for assessing and monitoring AS.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Ehrhardt ◽  
Pascal Hostettler ◽  
Lucas Widmer ◽  
Katja Reuter ◽  
Jens Alexander Petersen ◽  
...  

AbstractFalls are common in patients with neurological disorders and are a primary cause of injuries. Nonetheless, fall-associated gait characteristics are poorly understood in these patients. Objective, quantitative gait analysis is an important tool to identify the principal fall-related motor characteristics and to advance fall prevention in patients with neurological disorders. Fall incidence was assessed in 60 subjects with different neurological disorders. Patients underwent a comprehensive set of functional assessments including instrumented gait analysis, computerized postural assessments and clinical walking tests. Determinants of falls were assessed by binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operator characteristics (ROC). The best single determinant of fallers was a step length reduction at slow walking speed reaching an accuracy of 67.2% (ROC AUC: 0.669; p = 0.027). The combination of 4 spatio-temporal gait parameters including step length and parameters of variability and asymmetry were able to classify fallers and non-fallers with an accuracy of 81.0% (ROC AUC: 0.882; p < 0.001). These findings suggest significant differences in specific spatio-temporal gait parameters between fallers and non-fallers among neurological patients. Fall-related impairments were mainly identified for spatio-temporal gait characteristics, suggesting that instrumented, objective gait analysis is an important tool to estimate patients' fall risk. Our results highlight pivotal fall-related walking deficits that might be targeted by future rehabilitative interventions that aim at attenuating falls.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (10) ◽  
pp. 978-986
Author(s):  
A. P. Apostolopoulos ◽  
E. Chronopoulos ◽  
I. V. Michos ◽  
D. Mastrokalos ◽  
N. Darras ◽  
...  

AbstractThe objective of this study is to analyze the kinetic and kinematic changes of the osteoarthritic knee after a mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty. Kinematic and kinetic gait analysis of level walking was performed in 15 patients (eight female and seven male) with knee ostoarthritis. All patients were free of any neurological diseases that could affect their normal gait. Mean age was 68.6 ± 5.2 years, mean height 159.8 ± 6.9 cm, and mean weight was 78.5 ± 10.1 kg. Full body gait analysis was performed using the BioKin three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system preoperatively and 9 months after total knee arthroplasty. A single-step ascending kinetic analysis and a plantar pressure distribution analysis were also performed in all patients. An increased average cadence (mean 99.39 step/min preoperatively and 104.64 step/min postoperatively; p = 0.152), step length (0.44 m preoperatively and 0.52 m postoperatively; p < 0.001), stride length (0.89 m preoperatively and 1.0 m postoperatively; p < 0.007), and walking velocity (0.73 m/sec preoperatively and 0.90 m/sec postoperatively; p = 0.005) were noted postoperatively and postoperatively. A decrease in the stance duration percentage and the knee adduction moment was also reported postoperatively. All patients showed a significant improvement of knee kinetics and kinematics after a mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty. Statistically significant differences were found in the step length, stride length, and walk velocity postoperatively. The knee adduction moment was also significantly reduced. Further research is warranted to determine the clinical relevance of these findings. This study is a prospective comparative one and reflects level II evidence.


2002 ◽  
Vol 205 (7) ◽  
pp. 1037-1046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bieke Vanhooydonck ◽  
Raoul Van Damme ◽  
Peter Aerts

SUMMARYWe quantified four gait characteristics (stride length, stride frequency,step length and floating distance) over a range of running speeds in 11 lacertid lizard species known to vary in maximal sprint speed and microhabitat use. For each species, we measured snout—vent length (SVL), body mass and hindlimb length. We tested which variables determine sprint speed, how each species modulates sprint speed and whether species occurring in different microhabitats differ in speed modulation strategy. In doing so, we aimed to test the assumption that sprint speed is correlated with hindlimb length through its effect on stride length. Variation in maximal sprint speed is determined by variation in both stride length and frequency, but those species that modulate their sprint speed mainly by altering stride length appear to attain the highest maximal speeds. At maximal sprint speed, long-limbed species take larger strides because of the positive effect of hindlimb length on step length and floating distance. However, when hindlimb length is statistically controlled for, mass has a negative effect on step length. None of the three morphological variables explained the interspecific variation in stride frequency at maximal sprint speed. Possibly, differences in physiological properties (e.g. muscle contraction speed) underlie the variation in stride frequency. The 11 species modulate their speed in different ways. Lacertids often seen in vertical microhabitats do not seem to be either pronounced stride length or frequency modulators. These species alter their speed by combining the two strategies. However, species occurring mostly in open and vegetated microhabitats are, respectively, stride length and stride frequency modulators. This difference in running style is substantiated by interspecific morphological differences.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 4952
Author(s):  
Tobias Baumgartner ◽  
Steffen Held ◽  
Stefanie Klatt ◽  
Lars Donath

Running power as measured by foot-worn sensors is considered to be associated with the metabolic cost of running. In this study, we show that running economy needs to be taken into account when deriving metabolic cost from accelerometer data. We administered an experiment in which 32 experienced participants (age = 28 ± 7 years, weekly running distance = 51 ± 24 km) ran at a constant speed with modified spatiotemporal gait characteristics (stride length, ground contact time, use of arms). We recorded both their metabolic costs of transportation, as well as running power, as measured by a Stryd sensor. Purposely varying the running style impacts the running economy and leads to significant differences in the metabolic cost of running (p < 0.01). At the same time, the expected rise in running power does not follow this change, and there is a significant difference in the relation between metabolic cost and power (p < 0.001). These results stand in contrast to the previously reported link between metabolic and mechanical running characteristics estimated by foot-worn sensors. This casts doubt on the feasibility of measuring running power in the field, as well as using it as a training signal.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoo Jin Choo ◽  
Min Cheol Chang

AbstractWe conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness of ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) use in improving gait biomechanical parameters such as walking speed, mobility, and kinematics in patients with stroke with gait disturbance. We searched the MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases and retrieved studies published until June 2021. Experimental and prospective studies were included that evaluated biomechanics or kinematic parameters with or without AFO in patients with stroke. We analyzed gait biomechanical parameters, including walking speed, mobility, balance, and kinematic variables, in studies involving patients with and without AFO use. The criteria of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions were used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies, and the level of evidence was evaluated using the Research Pyramid model. Funnel plot analysis and Egger’s test were performed to confirm publication bias. A total of 19 studies including 434 participants that reported on the immediate or short-term effectiveness of AFO use were included in the analysis. Significant improvements in walking speed (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.50; 95% CI 0.34–0.66; P < 0.00001; I2, 0%), cadence (SMD, 0.42; 95% CI 0.22–0.62; P < 0.0001; I2, 0%), step length (SMD, 0.41; 95% CI 0.18–0.63; P = 0.0003; I2, 2%), stride length (SMD, 0.43; 95% CI 0.15–0.71; P = 0.003; I2, 7%), Timed up-and-go test (SMD, − 0.30; 95% CI − 0.54 to − 0.07; P = 0.01; I2, 0%), functional ambulation category (FAC) score (SMD, 1.61; 95% CI 1.19–2.02; P < 0.00001; I2, 0%), ankle sagittal plane angle at initial contact (SMD, 0.66; 95% CI 0.34–0.98; P < 0.0001; I2, 0%), and knee sagittal plane angle at toe-off (SMD, 0.39; 95% CI 0.04–0.73; P = 0.03; I2, 46%) were observed when the patients wore AFOs. Stride time, body sway, and hip sagittal plane angle at toe-off were not significantly improved (p = 0.74, p = 0.07, p = 0.07, respectively). Among these results, the FAC score showed the most significant improvement, and stride time showed the lowest improvement. AFO improves walking speed, cadence, step length, and stride length, particularly in patients with stroke. AFO is considered beneficial in enhancing gait stability and ambulatory ability.


2021 ◽  
pp. 28-31
Author(s):  
Urja S. Vaidya ◽  
Roshani S. Patel

Background: Sciatica is a radiating pain which is treated with manual accupressure and after a time electro accupressure came into introduction. Aim And Objective: Aim: To nd out the effectiveness of accupressure pen to improve the distance variable To nd out the effect of Objective: accupressure pen on pain and distance variable in sciatica patient To compare the experimental group to the control group On the basis of Method: inclusion and exclusion criteria 30 participants were selected. They were treated with electro accupressure pen for 3 alternative days / week for 3 weeks, after that re-assessment was taken with NPRS, Slump and Distance variables. The data was analyzed using SPSS Version Results: 21.Parametric test was used .In Group A improvement was seen Accupressure Conclusions: pen is effective to reduce pain and improve step length and stride length in Sciatica Patients


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
IlHyun Son ◽  
GyuChang Lee

Abstract Background: It has been reported the effects of a hinged ankle-foot orthosis on the gait ability of children with cerebral palsy. However, no studies investigated the effects of the dorsiflexion angle of the hinged ankle-foot orthosis on the spatiotemporal gait parameters of children with cerebral palsy. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of a 10° dorsiflexion inducing ankle-foot orthosis the spatiotemporal gait parameters of children with spastic diplegia compared to barefoot and a hinged ankle-foot orthosis.Methods: This study was cross-over design. 10 children with spastic diplegia were walked with barefoot, a hinged ankle-foot orthosis, and a 10° dorsiflexion inducing ankle-foot orthosis. GAITRite was used to collect the spatiotemporal gait parameters including gait velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, single leg support, and double leg support. Results: It showed that a 10° dorsiflexion inducing ankle-foot orthosis significantly improved the gait velocity, cadence, step length, stride length, single leg support, and double leg support than barefoot and a hinged ankle-foot orthosis (p<.05). Conclusion: The results of this study implied that a 10° dorsiflexion inducing ankle-foot orthosis could improve the gait ability of children with spastic diplegia more than barefoot or a hinged ankle-foot orthosis. High quality future studies will need to examine the effects of hinged ankle-foot orthosis on gait ability according to dorsiflexion angles.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (10) ◽  
pp. 1682-1687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Werner ◽  
Georgia Chalvatzaki ◽  
Xanthi S Papageorgiou ◽  
Costas S Tzafestas ◽  
Jürgen M Bauer ◽  
...  

Objective: To assess the concurrent validity of a smart walker–integrated gait analysis system with the GAITRite® system for measuring spatiotemporal gait parameters in potential users of the smart walker. Design: Criterion standard validation study. Setting: Research laboratory in a geriatric hospital. Participants: Twenty-five older adults (⩾65 years) with gait impairments (habitual rollator use and/or gait speed <0.6 m/s) and no severe cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination ⩾17). Main measures: Stride, swing and stance time; stride length; and gait speed were simultaneously recorded using the smart walker–integrated gait analysis system and the GAITRite system while participants walked along a 7.8-m walkway with the smart walker. Concurrent criterion-related validity was assessed using the Bland–Altman method, percentage errors (acceptable if <30%), and intraclass correlation coefficients for consistency (ICC3,1) and absolute agreement (ICC2,1). Results: Bias for stride, swing and stance time ranged from −0.04 to 0.04 seconds, with acceptable percentage errors (8.7%–23.0%). Stride length and gait speed showed higher bias (meanbias (SD) = 0.20 (0.11) m; 0.19 (0.13) m/s) and not acceptable percentage errors (31.3%–42.3%). Limits of agreement were considerably narrower for temporal than for spatial-related gait parameters. All gait parameters showed good-to-excellent consistency (ICC3,1 = 0.72–0.97). Absolute agreement was good-to-excellent for temporal (ICC2,1 = 0.72–0.97) but only poor-to-fair for spatial-related gait parameters (ICC2,1 = 0.37–0.52). Conclusion: The smart walker–integrated gait analysis system has good concurrent validity with the GAITRite system for measuring temporal but not spatial-related gait parameters in potential end-users of the smart walker. Stride length and gait speed can be measured with good consistency, but with only limited absolute accuracy.


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