Predicting peak kinematic and kinetic parameters from gait speed

Gait Posture. 2003 Apr;17(2):106-12. doi: 10.1016/s0966-6362(02)00060-7.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the predictability of the relationships between gait speed and common peak sagittal plane parameters in order to provide a set of reference parameter values.

Design: Lower extremity biomechanical data were collected in 64 healthy adults while walking barefoot at his/her comfortable walking speed, then at self-selected fast, slow and very slow speeds. Twenty seven peak joint parameter values were plotted and regressed as a function of gait speed.

Discussion: While most parameters change with increasing gait speed, in general, the kinetic parameters had better predictability than the kinematic parameters. Most of the power parameters were found to have a quadratic relationship with gait speed. Of the moment parameters, four had a linear relationship with gait speed, while four had a quadratic one. These relationships shown in the tables and graphs here can be used as a reference for 'normal' gait parameter values.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ankle Joint / physiology
  • Biomechanical Phenomena*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Gait / physiology*
  • Hip Joint / physiology
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Knee Joint / physiology
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Probability
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology*
  • Reference Values
  • Regression Analysis
  • Walking / physiology