Changes In Knee Biomechanics With Changes In Gait Speeds

Abstract

At present, the variation in three dimensional gait parameters throughout the normal range of walking speeds is not well understood. It is integral to understand the natural dynamic relationship between gait parameters and speed changes for a complete understanding of knee function at varying gait speeds. PURPOSE To evaluate the relationship of 3D knee joint kinematics and kinetics to finite increments of gait speed throughout the normal range of walking speeds. METHODS Gait analysis was performed on 20 participants (10 M; 22.7 ± 3.2 y). Participants performed 5 walking trials at each of 5 walking cadences:1) baseline (self selected cadence), 2) 15% above baseline, 3) 15% below baseline, 4) 30% above baseline; and 5) 30% below baseline. The 3D net forces and net moments were calculated. Regression analyses with forces (anterior posterior, medial lateral, distal proximal) and moments (sagittal, transverse, frontal) were performed to examine changes in 3D forces and moments with cadence. RESULTS In separate models between cadence and selected force curve parameters, medial-lateral forces contributed less (R2=0.27) compared to distal-proximal forces (R2=0.77). Higher correlations in the knee moments were seen with parameters from the sagittal plane (R2=0.68), while the frontal plane contributed less (R2=0.17). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that force and moment magnitudes vary with changes in cadence and that this relationship is more tightly coupled for the forward and vertical forces and the sagittal plane moments (refer to figure). Faster cadences were associated with higher moments in the sagittal plane as the majority of total knee work is performed in this plane.Figure