Laterality of lower limb and plantar pressure symmetry while walking in young adults

Abstract

The aim of this study is to discover whether the lateral preference of the lower limbs influences the selected dynamical parameters of the gait and to discover whether the data of the healthy limb can be used as reference ones in patients after lower limb injuries. 51young adults (age 22 ± 2 years, height 1.72 ± 0.1 m, body weight: 70 ± 16 kg) took part in the measurement. Foot preference for 5 different motion tasks (kicking a ball, stepping down from a stool, single leg stance, picking up marbles, hopping on one leg ) was observed repetitively and dynamographic records of participants’ gait using force plate (Emed®-c50, Novel, De) were performed. The average values of the maximum vertical force relativized to body weight (RFmax), maximal Peak Pressure (P.P), Force Time Integral (FTI) and Contact Time (C.T.) were analysed and the symmetrical indices (SI) were calculated. No statistically significant differences were measured in selected dynamic parameters between the preferred and non-preferred foot. The study of laterality in symmetrical gait in a group of young adults has proven that lateral preference of lower extremities does not significantly influence the selected dynamic parameters and that the gait in a group of young adults can be considered as symmetrical from this point of view. In a group of patients after lower limb injuries it is not necessary to take laterality before injury into consideration during walking at normal speed.