Abstract
Background: During gait, the braking index represents postural control, and consequently, the risk of falls. Previous studies based their determination of the braking index during the first step on kinetic methods using force platforms, which are highly variable. This study aimed to investigate whether determining the braking index with a kinematic method, through 3D motion capture, provides more precise results. Methods: Fifty participants (20 to 40 years) performed ten trials in natural and fast gait conditions. Their braking index was estimated from their first step simultaneously using a force platform and VICON motion capture system. The reliability of each braking index acquisition method was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error measurements, and the minimal detectable change. Results: Both kinetic and kinematic methods allowed good to excellent reliability and similar minimum detectable changes (10%). Conclusion: Estimating the braking index through a kinetic or a kinematic method was highly reliable.
Highlights
Falls, gait, and balance disorders represent a genuine public health concern due to their high prevalence in the aging population and patients suffering from neurological diseases [1,2]
We showed that the vertical displacement of the center of mass (CoM) reflects postural control during gait initiation [10,11,12,13,14]
The main hypothesis of the present study was that the kinematic method would produce a more reliable measurement of the braking index (BI) during gait initiation than the kinetic method
Summary
Gait, and balance disorders represent a genuine public health concern due to their high prevalence in the aging population and patients suffering from neurological diseases [1,2]. Half of falling incidents occur during walking [5], and while many studies have already shown an interest in spatiotemporal gait parameters and posturography [6,7], changes in these parameters could result from adaptive strategies aimed at securing gait. They may, not be an optimal reflection of postural control abilities [8]. Methods: Fifty participants (20 to 40 years) performed ten trials in natural and fast gait conditions Their braking index was estimated from their first step simultaneously using a force platform and VICON motion capture system. Conclusion: Estimating the braking index through a kinetic or a kinematic method was highly reliable
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