Leg Length Discrepancy to Influence on Kinematic Changes of the Pelvis and the Hip during Gait

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of leg length discrepancy on kinematic changes of the pelvis and hip during gait. Methods: A total of ten healthy women with no history of neurological, musculoskeletal surgery or injuries, or pain in the lower limbs were recruited. They were assigned to two groups; the experimental group (LLD) consisting of five subjects leg length discrepancy of 10mm to 18mm and the control group (CON) consisting of five subjects leg length discrepancy of<10 mm. All participants were in ­structed to perform three walking trials for further analysis by using the Cortex 3.0 software program. Independent T-test and Mann-Whitney test were used to examine the effects of mild LLD on kinematic changes of the pelvis and hip during gait. Results: Angles of hip flexion, hip abduction, pelvic obliquity, and pelvic tilt in the experimental group were not significantly different compared to those of the control group. Conclusion: Mild leg length discrepancy induces kinematic changes in the lower limbs, including decreased hip flexion, increased hip ab­ duction, and increased pelvic obliquity in the shorter limb, and increased hip adduction and increased pelvic obliquity in the longer limb. However, those changes were not significant.