Effects of Gait Speed of Femoroacetabular Joint Forces.

Joshua T Weinhandl,Bobbie S Irmischer,Zachary A Sievert

doi:10.1155/2017/6432969

Joshua T Weinhandl, Bobbie S Irmischer + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/6432969

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Abstract

Alterations in hip joint loading have been associated with diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Understanding the relationship between gait speed and hip joint loading in healthy hips may illuminate changes in gait mechanics as walking speed deviates from preferred. The purpose of this study was to quantify hip joint loading during the gait cycle and identify differences with varying speed using musculoskeletal modeling. Ten, healthy, physically active individuals performed walking trials at their preferred speed, 10% faster, and 10% slower. Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data were collected and used to estimate hip joint force via a musculoskeletal model. Vertical ground reaction forces, hip joint force planar components, and the resultant hip joint force were compared between speeds. There were significant increases in vertical ground reaction forces and hip joint forces as walking speed increased. Furthermore, the musculoskeletal modeling approach employed yielded hip joint forces that were comparable to previous simulation studies and in vivo measurements and was able to detect changes in hip loading due to small deviations in gait speed. Applying this approach to pathological and aging populations could identify specific areas within the gait cycle where force discrepancies may occur which could help focus management of care.

Highlights

IntroductionHip joint loading is important in maintaining healthy bone structure
During gait, hip joint loading is important in maintaining healthy bone structure
The purpose of this paper was to determine if small changes in gait speed affected hip joint loading throughout the gait cycle

Summary

Introduction

Hip joint loading is important in maintaining healthy bone structure. The relationship between inadequate lower extremity loading and poor bone density, in aging females, is well established [1]. Hip joint forces and stresses have been studied using in vivo (e.g., implanted sensors) and in silico (e.g., laboratory based motion capture) approaches. In vitro studies have consistently measured hip joint forces higher than those estimated in vivo [3, 4]. It is difficult to directly compare findings between study types in healthy populations due to limited subject numbers and invasive techniques necessary for direct measurement methodologies. The less invasive nature of analytical modeling allows for force estimation with reduced subject risk and financial cost. Musculoskeletal models face their own limitations [5]

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