Ab. No. 62 Spatiotemporal Parameters of Gait Symmetry and Asymmetry in Normal Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Introduction: Human gait, or the way people walk, is a complicated motor activity involving coordinated movements of different parts of the body. It is crucial in everyday activities and is influenced by a variety of factors such as age, health status, and musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. Understanding the many characteristics of gait, especially symmetry and asymmetry, is critical for getting insights into normal locomotion patterns and recognizing potential deviations associated with certain conditions. The objective of the current study is to determine the of spatiotemporal parameters of gait symmetry and asymmetry in individuals aged 20 to 79. Methods: A Cross-sectional observational study was done on 72 healthy adults (20 to 79 years) using convenience sampling. Subjects were divided into six groups according to the decade having 12 subjects in each group. Gait analysis was done using a portable single layer pressure sensitive walkway (Gait Rite). Subjects were asked to walk three times on the walkway at their preferred speed and data was collected. Result: A total of 9 spatiotemporal parameters were studied for evaluating asymmetry of these 7 spatiotemporal parameters were consistently asymmetry across the age groups and two parameters were consistently symmetrical across the age groups. Conclusion: The study establishes spatiotemporal parameters of gait symmetry and asymmetry across the age groups in normal ambulatory individuals. Implications: The identification of consistent asymmetry and symmetry in spatiotemporal gait parameters across age groups provides valuable insights for understanding the nuances of normal locomotion, aiding in the characterization of age-related variations, and serving as a foundation for detecting potential deviations associated with various conditions.