Journal of Physical Therapy Science
Online ISSN : 2187-5626
Print ISSN : 0915-5287
ISSN-L : 0915-5287
Original Article
Changes of kinematic parameters of lower extremities with gait speed: a 3D motion analysis study
Jung Won KwonSung Min SonNa Kyung Lee
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2015 Volume 27 Issue 2 Pages 477-479

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Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in hip, knee and ankle kinematic variables of the lower extremities at different gait speeds. [Subjects and Methods] Forty healthy subjects who had no previous history of neurological, musculo-skeletal or other medical conditions that could affect gait were recruited. The subjects were asked to walk 10 m down a walkway at three different gait speeds: normal gait speed, and self-selected fast, and slow speeds. The experimental order was randomly chosen across these gaits. The hip, knee and ankle kinematic data were evaluated using a VICON 3D motion analysis system and force plates. [Results] The flexion peak and external rotation peak of the knee joint significantly increased with the increase of gait speed. The plantarflexion peaks of the ankle joint significantly increased with increase of gait speed. However, none of the kinematic data of the hip joint were significantly dependent on increase of gait speed. [Conclusion] The relationship of the knee and ankle joint can be described as coupling motion which is dependent on gait speed. Our present findings suggest that coupling motion of the knee joint and plantarflexion of the ankle joint significantly increase with increase of gait speed. These results will provide important insight into gait mechanisms for the evaluation of pathological populations.

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© 2015 by the Society of Physical Therapy Science

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (by-nc-nd) License.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
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