Comparison of sagittal plane gait characteristics between the overground and treadmill approach for gait analysis in typically developing children

• DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13752
• Publication Date: 2022-07-22T07:17:27Z
• Authors: Rachel Senden; Rik Marcellis; Kenneth Meijer; Paul Willems; Ton Lenssen; Heleen Staal; Yvonne Janssen; Vincent Groen; Roland Jeroen Ver...; Marianne Witlox
• Keywords: Treadmill; STRIDE; Ground reaction force; Power walking; Biomechanics

Instrumented treadmills have become more mainstream in clinical assessment of gait disorders children, and are increasingly being applied as an alternative to overground analysis. Both approaches differ multiple elements set-up (e.g., versus treadmill, Pug-in Gait Human Body Model-II), workflow limited amount steps many successive steps) post-processing data different filter techniques). These individual shown affect gait. Since the used parallel practice, insight into compound effect on is essential. This study investigates whether outcomes two for 3D analysis interchangeable typically developing children.Spatiotemporal parameters, sagittal joint angles moments, ground reaction forces were measured children aged 3-17 years using (overground walking, conventional lab environment, Plug-In Gait) treadmill (treadmill walking virtual Model-II) approach. Spatiotemporal coefficient variation peak values kinematics kinetics both compared repeated measures tests. Kinematic kinetic waveforms from statistical parametric mapping (SPM). Differences quantified by mean differences root square differences.Children walked slower, with lower stride stance time shorter wider approach than Mean ranged 0.02 s 3.3 cm step width. The patterns kinematic equivalent approaches, but significant found amplitude. Overall, larger during approach, showing ranging 0.84° (pelvic tilt) 6.42° (peak knee flexion swing). difference moments Nm/kg extension moment) 0.32 hip moment), overall decreased Normalised showed 0.001 0.024.The yield characteristics. systematic can be due important changes neuromechanics methodological choices such biomechanical model or walkway treadmill. overview small presented this essential correctly interpret results needs taken account when interchanged between approaches. Together research/clinical question context child, gained determine best