Is Base of Support Greater in Unsteady Gait?

Abstract

Gait at preferred speed permitted the unsteady subjects and the comparison subjects to select similar IFD values, but at the cost of slower gait in the unsteady subjects. When required to walk at a "normal" pace of 120 steps/min, subjects with vestibulopathy increased their IFD. These data suggest that wide-based gait alone cannot differentiate between subjects with and without balance impairments. Base of support and other whole-body kinematic variables are mechanical compensations of vestibulopathic instability. Further studies are needed to determine whether development of active control of these whole-body control variables can occur after vestibular rehabilitation.

Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Gait During Performance of the Dynamic Gait Index in People With and People Without Balance or Vestibular Disorders

“…5 When subjects with vestibular disorders walked at their self-selected speed, their stance width was similar to that of control subjects but at the expense of decreased speed. 6 Increased stance width was noted when these same subjects were asked to walk at an externally paced speed (120 steps per minute). 6 People with vestibular disorders ambulate with increased stance time variability, 7 decreased gait speed, 6,8,9 and increased stride time variability.…”

The Effectiveness of the Use of Custom-Made Foot Orthotics on Temporal-Spatial Gait Parameters in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

“…The pattern has exaggerated knee flexion, increased hip adduction and internal rotation (Cherng et al, 2007). Therefore in the present study, an increase of base of support may be caused by reduced hip adduction pattern with supporting foot and ankle (Krebs at al, 2002). Also the stance time shortened along with increased velocity or stability (Kirtley et al, 1985).…”

Influence of Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency in Gait Variability

“…Some investigators have administered paced walking, where either walking speed is controlled as on a treadmill, 58 or cadence is standardized by a metronome. 59 This practice may, however, affect walking behaviour and, therefore, restrict the validity of results and so it is preferred by different investigators to have the subjects walking at a self-preferred speed without external control. 60 Additionally, it has been shown that there are gender differences in the biomechanical properties of the lower extremities.…”