A mixed linear modelling characterisation of gender and speed related changes in spatiotemporal and kinematic characteristics of gait across a wide speed range in healthy adults

Abstract

In exploring the relationship between the kinematics of gait and speed of progression individual variation in patterns and gender differences have not always been adequately taken into account. In the current study mixed linear modelling was used to isolate changes with speed from those associated with individual variation and gender. Three-dimensional motion analysis of 20 participants (10M/10F, 25.7 ± 5.1 years) walking at a wide range of speeds (normalised speeds 0.10-0.55 ∼0.41-2.26 m/s) was recorded (775 walks). Spatiotemporal (speed, cadence, step length, percentage of single and double support) and kinematic characteristics (pelvis through ankle) were determined. Significant between participant differences were highlighted in both intercept and slope of relationships. In addition females exhibiting different peak pelvic tilt and obliquity, hip flexion and internal rotation and ankle dorsiflexion compared to males. Spatiotemporal parameters exhibited non-linear relationships with normalised speed (R> 0.5). Kinematic features exhibited significant relationships with normalised speed, varying from linear to cubic, from very weak to strong in fit (0.010 > R> 0.672). Mixed linear modelling highlighted gender dependent, speed related changes in addition to inter-individual variation. Gender and speed are both important determinants of gait patterns, however, individual variations remain.

Pelvis motion characteristics in case of induced gait perturbation in male and female adults

“…As indicated in the introduction women exhibit greater pelvis tilt [11,12] and greater range of motion in the coronal plane while walking compared to men [12]. In current study the greater pelvic tilt for women observed in gait is in accordance with the literature [11,12] and occurs during gait perturbation as well. However, greater pelvic mobility in the coronal plane for gait was not observed in this research.…”

“…Pelvis kinematics and the differences between the sexes while executing different movement patterns were the subject of many studies and it was found that women exhibit greater pelvis tilt [11,12] and greater range of motion in the coronal plane while walking compared to men [12].…”

Sex‐specific sagittal and frontal plane gait mechanics in persons post‐hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome

“…Pelvic and lower extremity alignment differ between healthy males and females in static positions, 36 and sex differences have been reported during gait for healthy individuals. 6,[18][19][20][21]37 All participants in the present study demonstrated faster walking speeds than previously published cohorts, 38 which may contribute to the lack of sex-dependent sagittal plane gait mechanics in our healthy cohort. following surgery; thus, serial, longitudinal gait assessments will be important for futures studies.…”

“…14 Sex-specific differences for patient-reported outcomes have been identified, [15][16][17] but the effect of sex on movement impairments has only recently been examined. While sex differences are apparent in gait mechanics of healthy populations, [18][19][20][21] these may be exacerbated in patients with FAIS. 6,8 A cross-sectional study of 21 participants with FAIS compared with 41 healthy comparisons (HCs) found distinct pelvic-femoral kinematics of participants with FAIS that were also sex-dependent.…”

“…Based on the findings of Lewis et al, 6 we tested the primary hypotheses that (a) males in the FAIS group would demonstrate more anterior pelvic tilt and decreased hip extension and abduction, regardless of limb, when compared with healthy males; and (b) females in the FAIS group would exhibit hip extension asymmetry that was not observed in HCs. Healthy females demonstrate more pelvic motion [18][19][20] and less trunk flexion 22 than healthy males; and thus, a secondary hypothesis tested was that females in the FAIS group would demonstrate less trunk flexion and more anterior pelvic tilt and pelvic drop than males in the FAIS group. We hypothesized that these sex differences would be greater than those identified in the healthy cohort.…”