Gait In Women Research Articles

Comparison of Gait in Women with Degenerative Changes of the Hip Joint and Healthy Women Using the MoKA System-A Pilot Study.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a global problem. There are few reports in the literature regarding the temporal and spatial parameters of gait in people with OA. The aim of this study was to determine spatiotemporal parameters for the pelvis and lower limbs during walking in women with OA and to compare these parameters with healthy people. For this purpose, a 6 min walking test (6MWT) was carried out. OA subjects had worse outcomes compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Data were collected using IMU sensors integrated into the MoKA system and mounted on indicator points on the body. Limited mobility of the pelvis in the frontal plane was observed in the study group, which influenced walking strategy. For the comparison with the control group at each minute, p < 0.05. IMU sensors attached to the body and integrated in one application provide extensive research and diagnostic capabilities.

Synchronized Cyclograms to Assess Inter-Limb Symmetry during Gait in Women with Anorexia and Bulimia: A Retrospective Study

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) are eating diseases characterized by extreme eating behaviours impacting both mental and physical health. Aberrant musculoskeletal adaptations due to malnutrition affect motor abilities such as postural control and gait. To date, limited data is available with regards to gait symmetry in AN and BN. The aim of this study was to characterize inter-limb asymmetry during gait in two cohorts affected by AN and BN, respectively, using the synchronized cyclograms and to compare it with a healthy weight group. A total of 14 AN, 17 BN, and 11 healthy-weight females were assessed via 3D gait analysis. Gait spatio-temporal parameters were computed together with angle–angle diagrams, which were characterized in terms of their geometric features. Individuals with AN and BN were characterized by reduced speed and cadence and an abnormal increase in the duration of the double support phase with respect to the healthy controls. With respect to inter-limb symmetry, asymmetries were detected in both groups, with individuals with BN exhibiting significantly larger cyclogram areas at the hip joint with respect to the other groups (323.43 degrees2 vs. 253.74 degrees2 vs. 136.37 degrees2) and significantly higher orientation angle and Trend Symmetry at both knee and ankle joint. The cyclogram analysis suggests the presence of an altered gait symmetry in individuals with BN. In the AN group, it is possible to observe a similar trend; however, this is not statistically significant. Overall, the findings of this study may provide a novel perspective on the motor control dysfunction linked to eating disorders and aid clinicians in selecting a suitable rehabilitation scheme targeted at enhancing motor stability and control.

Effects of Gluteus Maximus Muscle Activity and Pelvic Width on Dynamic Frontal Plane Hip Joint Stiffness During Gait in Healthy Young Women.

Excessive hip adduction and internal rotation are abnormal movements that may lead to the onset and progression of patellofemoral pain. Previous studies have reported that lower dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness in the gait of women is associated with the magnitude of hip adduction and internal rotation angles. However, the factors contributing to the lack of dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness in the gait of young women are unclear. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness during the weight-acceptance phase of the gait of healthy young women. Cross-sectional study. This study included 30 healthy women between the ages of 18 and 30years. The pelvic width/femur length ratio was calculated by dividing the pelvic width by the femur length. Data on hip kinematics and kinetics and activation of the gluteus maximus and medius, tensor fasciae latae, and adductor longus muscles during gait were collected using a motion capture system, force plates, and surface electromyography. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the extent to which each independent factor affected dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness. In healthy young women, decreased dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness was associated with decreased muscle activity of the gluteus maximus during the gait, as well as greater pelvic width/femur length ratio. Women with a relatively great pelvic width relative to femur length may have more difficulty in producing dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness. However, increasing the muscle activity of the gluteus maximus may contribute to increased dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness.

Penafsiran Ulang Konsep “Kontekstualisasi” dalam Hadis: Kajian atas Hadis Tentang Kepemimpinan Perempuan

Claims that women are weak, not authoritative, and tend to use their feelings, make women discriminated against in the public sphere. Even in Islamic history, women are considered worthless so when a baby girl is born, it is considered a disgrace, and many are buried alive. Thus, in accordance with the times and knowledge, this paper will review the roles and gait of women, especially in their capacity as leaders. This paper will examine the text of the prophet's hadith about women's leadership and try to contextualize it with Indonesian reality. The conclusion of this article is that women are given things and obligations to become leaders as long as they have the capacity, capability, and quality to carry out their duties and responsibilities. So, in the context of 'worldly' leadership, it is not seen from gender, but from the qualifications, capabilities, and qualities possessed by a person.

Gender differences in the effect of a 0.11% breath alcohol concentration on forward and backward gait

Alcohol contributes to a large number of diseases and health conditions related to injuries. The aim of our study was to evaluate gender differences in forward and backward gait when sober and at a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of 0.11%. Fifty females and fifty males participated in our study. The gait analysis was performed twice, when sober and after drinking a given amount of vodka mixed with orange juice. Under both conditions, participants were asked to walk forward and then backward on a Zebris platform. Multivariate analysis and the Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare the differences between genders when walking forward and backward. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to compare the differences between 0.00% BrAC and 0.11% BrAC. Spearman’s Rho was used to analyze the relationship between the AUDIT score, anthropometrical characteristics and the subjective score of drunkenness and gait parameters. The results show different strategies to improve stability during gait in women and men when intoxicated with alcohol. When intoxicated, males in forward gait increase their stability by increasing their foot rotation, while females increase their step width. A decrease in balance-related variables was observed in females when walking backward with a BrAC of 0.11%. Additionally, females tended to perform an increase in balance-related gait variables when subjectively feeling more drunk in both forward and backward gait. Different strategies to maintain stability during gait were observed in women and men. The results of our study show that alcohol intoxication has a greater impact on gait in females who tended to perform an increase in balance-related variables with an increase in their subjective score of drunkenness.

Sagittal plane ankle kinetics are associated with dynamic hip range of motion and gait efficiency in women with hip osteoarthritis.

Loss of sagittal plane hip range of motion (ROM) is a commonly reported walking gait impairment in people with hip osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether sagittal plane hip ROM reduction and the resulting altered sagittal plane ankle kinetics during gait influence the energy cost of walking in people with hip OA. We evaluated 24 women with unilateral hip OA (60 ± 9.1 years; 29.4 ± 6.1 kg/m2 ). Sagittal plane hip ROM and peak ankle dorsiflexion moment were assessed by instrumented gait analysis. We also used a portable metabolic system to measure the energy cost of walking. Pearson correlations and regression analyses were performed to test our hypotheses. We found that greater involved limb sagittal plane hip ROM was associated with a larger ankle peak dorsiflexion moment at push-off during gait (R = 0.50, p = 0.01). Greater involved limb peak ankle dorsiflexion moment at push-off was associated with a lower oxygen consumption during gait (R = -0.51, p = 0.01). Involved limb peak ankle dorsiflexion moment at push-off predicted 26% of the variance in O2 cost. Statement of Clinical Significance: Sagittal plane hip ROM was associated with peak ankle dorsiflexion moment at push-off during gait in women with hip OA. Moreover, peak ankle dorsiflexion moment at push-off was associated with the energy cost of walking. Therefore, modifying sagittal plane hip ROM and peak ankle dorsiflexion moment could be a possible rehabilitation strategy to improve gait efficiency in women with hip OA.

Preoperative and Postoperative Walking Gait in Women With Acetabular Labral Tears and Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.

Symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a painful condition that leads to decreased function. How walking gait changes over time within the first year after surgery for FAIS and how these changes present in women are currently unknown. To determine biomechanical gait differences between women with FAIS or labral tears and control individuals preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Case-control study. Laboratory. A total of 18 female participants comprising 9 women in the FAIS group (age = 31.44 ± 7.47 years, height = 1.73 ± 0.08 m, mass = 73.61 ± 14.44 kg) and 9 women in the control group (age = 31.44 ± 6.65 years, height = 1.69 ± 0.06 m, mass = 60.93 ± 5.58 kg). Between-groups comparisons of the Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living subscale (HOSADL) and gait biomechanics were conducted preoperatively and at the 3- and 6-month postoperative sessions. Statistical parametric mapping was performed on normalized time-series data. Preoperatively, the FAIS group had poor HOSADL scores (FAIS group = 64.1 ± 15.4 versus control group = 100.0 ± 0, P < .001), walked 15% slower, and exhibited several gait differences compared with the control group. Three months postoperatively, the FAIS group displayed greater vertical ground reaction force (P = .01), ankle-dorsiflexion angle (P = .02), and external dorsiflexion moment (P = .01) in midstance, as well as a greater knee-flexion angle through the second half of stance (P < .001). The FAIS group also demonstrated less hip-extension angle (P = .02) and hip-abduction angle (P = .01) through the second half of stance, which transitioned into less hip extension (P = .040) and hip abduction (P = .03) during the subsequent swing phase. The FAIS group improved their HOSADL to 87.6 ± 7.6 by 6 months postoperatively and had a greater dorsiflexion moment (P = .003) and ankle external rotation during stance (P = .03). In addition, the FAIS group showed a greater external hip external-rotation moment in late stance (P < .001). The biomechanical differences between groups were most evident at 3 months postoperatively, suggesting that women with FAIS had more postoperative gait compensations in the short term after surgery. By 6 months postoperatively, patient-reported outcomes had markedly improved, and the FAIS group displayed few gait differences compared with the control group.

Physiological and Cognitive Determinants of Dual-Task Costs for Gait Parameters: The Yishun Study

Background: Studies indicate that physiological and cognitive aging are causally related and functionally interdependent. However, the relative contribution of physiological factors and cognition to dual-task costs (DTC) of gait parameters has not been well studied. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the trajectory of DTC of gait parameters across the adult age spectrum for both sexes and identified the contributions of physical and cognitive performance to DTC of gait. Methods: A total of 492 community-dwelling adults, aged 21–90 years, were randomly recruited into the study. Participants were divided into 7 age groups, with 10-year age range for each group. Demographic data, height, body mass, education level, and information on comorbidities were recorded. Cognition was measured using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. Physical performance included visual contrast sensitivity, postural sway, hand reaction time, handgrip strength, knee extensor strength, and single-task and dual-task gait assessments. Stepwise multivariable regression was used to examine the association between physical and cognitive performance with DTC of gait parameters. Results: Women were found to have significantly higher DTC of gait speed (p = 0.01), cadence (p < 0.01), and double support time (p < 0.01) than men. However, significant aging effect on DTC of gait speed (p = 0.01), step length (p = 0.01), and double support time (p = 0.01) was observed in men but not in women. Immediate memory was the primary determinant for the DTC of gait speed (β = −0.25, p < 0.01), step length (β = −0.22, p < 0.01), and cadence (β = −0.15, p = 0.03) in men. Besides immediate memory, postural sway (β = −0.13, p = 0.03) and hand reaction (β = 0.14, p = 0.02) were also significantly associated with DTC of step length and cadence, respectively, in women. Conclusion: There were sex differences in the amplitude and trajectories of DTC of gait parameters. The DTC increased with age in men but not in women. Immediate memory was the primary determinant of DTC of gait parameters in men while immediate memory, postural sway, and reaction time were associated with DTC of gait in women. Future studies should investigate the clinical implications of the sex differences in the DTC with fall risks.

The effect of eight-week elastic walking exercise on the pattern of plantar pressure distribution in women with chronic low back pain during walking

Background: Training of elastic walking is a new method for elasticity in gait and correction of the distribution pattern of plantar pressure in patients with low back pain during gait. This study aimed to investigate the distribution pattern of plantar pressure during gait in women with low back pain following 8 weeks-training of elastic walking. Methods: The present study was quasi-experimental. In this research, 20 women with low back pain were divided into control (n=11) and experimental (n=9) groups. Subjects from the experimental group performed elastic gait training for 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks while the control group didn’t have any exercise program. The plantar pressure variables included the peak of vertical ground reaction forces, the time to peak of ground reaction forces, loading rate, the peak of plantar pressure on the ten foot regions, the peak of ground reaction forces on the ten foot regions, and displacement of the pressure center in two internal-external (copx) and anterior-posterior (copy) lines. The distribution pattern of plantar pressure during gait was recorded by a foot scan system (Sampling rate 300 Hz) in pre-training and post-training. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data. The significance level was set at P &lt; 0.05. Results: In the experimental group, the results of this study demonstrated lower peak vertical reaction force (FzMS component) during post-test compared with pre-test (P = 0.002). Moreover, findings showed that the main effect of group on peak pressure in the mid-foot region was significant (P = 0.011). The results showed no significant difference concerning the main effect of group, the main effect of time and effect, interaction time and group on peak vertical reaction force, displacement of pressure center, vertical loading rate, and walking stance time (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that training of elastic walking does not have a significant effect on stance time. Also, training of elastic walking in the experimental group reduced the peak vertical ground reaction force (FzMS component) during the post-test compared with the pre-test that can correct the walking pattern and improve the chronic low back pain.

Percentiles and Reference Values for Accelerometric Gait Assessment in Women Aged 50–80 Years

Background: The identification of factors that alter postural stability is fundamental in the design of interventions to maintain independence and mobility. This is especially important for women because of their longer life expectancy and higher incidence of falls than in men. We constructed the percentile box charts and determined the values of reference for the accelerometric assessment of the gait in women. Methods: We used a cross-sectional study with 1096 healthy adult women, who were asked to walk a distance of 20 m three times. Results: In all of the variables, a reduction in the magnitude of accelerations was detected as the age of the group advanced. The box charts show the amplitude of the interquartile ranges, which increases as the age of the participants advances. In addition, the interquartile ranges were greater in the variables that refer to the maximum values of the accelerations. Conclusions: The values obtained can be used to assess changes in gait due to aging, trauma and orthopaedic alterations that may alter postural stability and neurodegenerative processes that increase the risk of falling.

Impact of cognitive tasks on biomechanical and kinematic parameters of gait in women with fibromyalgia: A cross-sectional study

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disease whose symptoms may cause altered walking pattern, which is important given the relevance of walking in daily life activities. These activities use to require the ability to perform both a motor and a cognitive task simultaneously. The main aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of performing a simultaneous cognitive task in the gait pattern of women with FM. MethodsA total of 36 women recruited from a local association took part in this cross-sectional study. The time required to complete the 10-meters-walking-test and kinematic outcomes including number of steps, cadence, trunk tilt and ranges of motion were analyzed under single (motor task only) and dual task (motor and cognitive tasks simultaneously) conditions. The secondary task consisted in counting aloud backward in rows of two. ResultsResults showed a significant increment in the time required to complete the test (p < 0.01) when participants performed the motor and cognitive tasks at the same time. Moreover, relevant changes in kinematic parameters such as increment of number of steps (p < 0.01), cadence (p < 0.01), trunk tilt (p < 0.01) and both hip (p < 0.01) and knee (p = 0.03) ranges of motion were also observed. ConclusionAdding a cognitive task to a primary motor task affects the walking motor pattern in women with FM, making it more stable and safer walking pattern when the attention is focused on two simultaneous tasks.

Hip Angles, Joint Moments, and Muscle Activity During Gait in Women With and Without Self-reported Stress Urinary Incontinence

Background: Women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) have different hip strength, mobility, and unique between-leg differences compared with women without SUI. This article describes gait biomechanics in these same women to provide insight into their function and neuromuscular system. Objective: To compare gait biomechanics between women with and without self-reported SUI. Study Design: Descriptive. Methods: Hip angles, moments (net forces), and muscle activity were analyzed during 3 phases of stance (weight acceptance [WA], mid-stance [MS], and terminal stance [TS]), using 3-dimensional cameras, force plates, and surface electromyography. Values were compared between groups (SUI, n = 21; no SUI, n = 20) and limbs (dominant, D; nondominant, ND) (significance: P ≤ .05). Results: Between-Group Comparisons: Both limbs in the SUI group had greater abduction (ABD) moments (WA: D: P = .039; ND: P = .030), external rotation (ER) moments (WA: D: P = .002, ND: P = .004; and MS: D: P = .033, ND: P = .035), and gluteus maximus activity (TS: D: P < .001, ND: P = .005). The SUI group's ND-limb had greater adduction angles (WA: P = .043), internal rotation (IR) angles (WA: P = .011; MS: P = .028), flexion (FL) moments (TS: P = .050), and tensor fasciae latae activity (TS: P = .044). The SUI group's D-limb had greater ABD moments (TS: P = .034). Between-Limb Comparisons Unique to Each Group: The SUI group's ND-limb had greater IR angles (WA: P = .007, MS: P = .032, TS: P = .027), relative lesser ER angles (MS: P = .003, TS: P = .007), and lesser FL angles (MS: P = .029). The without SUI group's ND-limb had greater ER moments (MS: P = .022). Conclusions: Women with SUI demonstrate unique gait mechanics, predominantly in the transverse plane and in the ND-limb. A video abstract for this article is available at: https://links.lww.com/JWHPT/A29.

Mechanisms of Gait Adaptation in Overweight Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a period when a woman's body undergoes changes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the mechanisms of gait adaptation in overweight pregnant women regarding spatiotemporal gait parameters, ground reaction forces, and plantar pressure distribution. The tests were performed in 29 normal-weight pregnant women and 26 pregnant women who were overweight before pregnancy. The measurements included spatiotemporal gait parameters, in-shoe plantar pressure distribution, and ground reaction forces during gestation. The results indicate that both normal-weight and overweight pregnant women make use of the same spatiotemporal gait parameters to increase body stability and safety of movement during pregnancy. The double-step duration in the third trimester of pregnancy was higher in normal-weight and overweight pregnant women compared with in the first trimester (P < .05). A significant change in pressure amplitude was found under all anatomical parts of the foot in the third trimester (P < .05). The results also suggest a higher increase in the maximum amplitude of force in overweight pregnant women in the third trimester compared with the normal-weight group. This study suggests that both normal-weight and overweight pregnant women use different mechanisms of gait adaptation during pregnancy. In practice, understanding the biomechanical changes in women's gait can protect the musculoskeletal system during gestation.

Acute effect of partial body weight suspension on the level of cocontraction and gait biomechanics in women with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (OAK) is one of the most prevalent rheumatic diseases in the population, characterized by functional limitation and gait difficulties with profound clinical relevance, as walking is the most frequently performed daily activity. These functional limitations may be more pronounced when the disease is associated with obesity. Objective: To investigate the effect of different body weight suspension percentages on gait biomechanical variables and co-contraction percentages in women with OAK. Method: Fourteen women aged 50-75 years, with a body mass index between 26 and 35 and radiological diagnosis of OAK participated in the study. On the first day, anamnesis and familiarization with gait on the treadmill was performed. On the second day, treadmill gait assessment was performed using partial body weight support (SPPC) in three conditions-15%, 30%, and 45% suspension. During the evaluation, electromyographic and kinematic data were collected. The variables analyzed were percentage of hip (gluteus maximus/rectus femoris), knee (femoral biceps/vastus lateralis), and ankle (anterior tibial/lateral gastrocnemius), and length and step widths. A one-way analysis of variance was conducted, with a significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Results: There was no significant difference in the length and step width and the level of co-contraction between the running conditions analyzed. Conclusion: Body weight suspension using SPPC during treadmill running did not alter the biomechanical variables of the gait of women with OAK.

Does the first trimester of pregnancy induce alterations in the walking pattern?

IntroductionFrom among many studies observing the walking pattern throughout pregnancy, only two items monitor the influence of pregnancy on the movement system during gait considering the period before gestation.Research questionDoes the women’s gait pattern at the end of the first trimester undergo changes in comparison to body movement pattern before pregnancy?MethodsAll subjects who met the inclusion criteria gave signed and informed consent before the study. Two experimental sessions were arranged according to the same protocol: (P0) before pregnancy and (P1) at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy (12th week of gestation). At first the anthropometric measures were taken. Then, walking trials at a self-selected speed along a walkway were registered with Vicon 250 (Oxford Metrics Ltd.; Oxford, UK) and FreeMED force platform (Sensor Medica, Italy).ResultsAn analysis of anthropometric parameters in 12th pregnancy week demonstrated significant changes in mean values of waist circumference and waist to hip ratio as well as waist to height ratio indexes compared to the results before pregnancy. No significant differences were found in the basic kinematic gait parameters between experimental conditions. Significant increase of mean inter—ankle distance during double support phase occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy. Also, the ratio of the ankle separation width to the pelvic width was noticeably higher in gestation. Then, angular changes of the pelvis in coronal and transverse planes throughout gait cycle during pregnancy demonstrated significant differences compared to those measured before pregnancy. At the same time in the first trimester of pregnancy no adaptive changes in the pattern of feet loading take place.SignificanceSince our study is of longitudinal character, in the course of pregnancy we expect compensatory mechanisms more clearly demonstrated. Therefore, we hope to identify a strategy of the gravid body progression in space.

Gender differences in patients with fibromyalgia: a gait analysis.

This study analysed the spatio-temporal parameters, asymmetry, variability and bilateral coordination of gait in women and men with fibromyalgia and healthy subjects walking at their usual velocity and at a faster walking velocity. Fifty-five women and 12 men with fibromyalgia were analysed. A healthy group of 44 women and 17 men was analysed as the control group. A GAITRite system was used to obtain the spatio-temporal gait parameters for the participants when walking at their usual velocity and at a faster velocity. Coefficients of variation, bilateral coordination and gait asymmetry indexes were calculated. All groups exhibited a significant increase (p &lt; 0.001) in spatio-temporal parameters when walking fast. The fibromyalgia groups showed increased bilateral coordination, asymmetry and variability of stance phase when walking fast. The fibromyalgia women showed significant spatio-temporal, variability and bilateral coordination of gait differences compared with the healthy women. The fibromyalgia men reported significant differences in velocity, cadence, stride length, swing time variability and stance gait asymmetry indices compared with the healthy men. No significant differences were observed between the men and women in the fibromyalgia groups. The findings of the present study did not support gender-specific differences in walking variables and indices in FM patients. The differences found between both genders of FM patients and healthy subjects in walking indices at fast velocities could be a useful tool for diagnoses and evaluation of male and female patients with FM during short-term fast walking tests.

Effects of sex and obesity on gait biomechanics before and six months after total knee arthroplasty: A longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundGait biomechanics, sex, and obesity can contribute to suboptimal outcomes from primary total knee arthroplasty. The aims of this study were to i) determine if sex and/or obesity influence the amount of change in gait biomechanics from pre-surgery to six months post-surgery and; ii) assess if gait returns to normal in men and women. MethodsThree-dimensional gait analysis was performed on 43 patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis (pre- and six months post-operative) and 40 asymptomatic controls. Mixed linear regression models were fit to assess which factors influenced change in gait biomechanics within the arthroplasty cohort, and interaction terms were included to assess if biomechanics returned to normal following surgery. FindingsMale peak knee adduction moment (p < 0.001) and impulse (p < 0.001) decreased six months following arthroplasty, whilst gait in women remained unchanged after surgery. Obesity did not influence gait changes in men or women. Gait of female arthroplasty participants did not differ from female controls after surgery except for sagittal plane knee range of motion (p = 0.003), whilst men differed from controls for peak knee adduction moment (p = 0.011), knee range of motion (p < 0.001), and peak knee flexion moment (p < 0.001). InterpretationSex, but not obesity, influenced changes in gait biomechanics after arthroplasty. Men retained abnormal gait patterns after surgery, whilst women did not. Further research should determine the long-term implications of gait abnormalities seen in men after arthroplasty.

DOR PÉLVICA CRÔNICA EM MULHERES E ANÁLISE DA MARCHA

INTRODUÇÃO: A dor pélvica crônica (DPC) é uma condição comum, complexa e pouco compreendida. Há evidências de que o sistema musculoesquelético esteja comprometido, embora estudos que avaliem o padrão de movimento deste grupo ainda sejam escassos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar objetivamente a marcha de mulheres com DPC. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, incluindo 20 mulheres com DPC e 20 saudáveis. Utilizou-se a análise tridimensional para obtenção dos dados referente a marcha. Foi obtido variáveis espaço-temporais. Além disso foram coletados dados para caracterização da amostra sobre idade, dados antropométricos, cinesiofobia, nível de atividade física, qualidade de vida e estado de humor. O teste não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney comparou as variáveis quantitativas, e a correlação de Spearman comparou as variáveis da marcha com cinesiofobia, dor, ansiedade e depressão. RESULTADOS: Mulheres com DPC apresentaram alterações na marcha quando comparadas às saudáveis. Os movimentos comprometidos foram redução na velocidade da marcha e comprimento do passo. Não notamos ocorrência de correlação entre as variáveis da marcha com dor, cinesiofobia e depressão. CONCLUSÃO: Mulheres com DPC apresentam alterações na marcha quando comparadas a mulheres saudáveis. Estes achados sugerem a necessidade de uma avaliação mais detalhada deste grupo, para que se obtenha melhores diagnósticos e tratamentos mais eficazes.

Mechanical Energy of Lower Extremity during Gait in Women with Various Severities of Knee Osteoarthritis: Case-Control Study

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. Analyzing the energy expenditure in people who suffer from musculoskeletal disorders provides objective evidence to measure individual’s disability and the effect of therapeutic interventions. Present study investigated the effect of various severities of knee osteoarthritis on mechanical energy of lower extremities. Materials and Methods: 48 women aged between 40-70 years were purposefully divided into mild, moderate and sever osteoarthritis and healthy control group according to simple X-ray features of their knee joints. The participants walked at their convenient self-selected speed to collect five clean trials. The data were recorded using a motion analysis system and a 3-dimentional model of lower extremity segments was developed from motion capture data using visual 3-D software. Mechanical energy of lower extremity was calculated using this model. Results: The study groups were significantly different in age (P ≤ 0.001) and walking speed (P ≤ 0.001). One-way analysis of variances (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey test revealed that there was significant difference between the study groups regarding mechanical energy. However, univariate general linear models with adjustments to age and to walking speed were developed; in addition, a bivariate general linear model was adjusted to age and walking speed. All the models confirmed that the differences were not imposed by the severity of knee osteoarthritis. Conclusion: It seems that increase in mechanical energy of lower extremity in subjects with knee osteoarthritis intensifies with the progression of the disease; this is not a direct effect of the level of joint deterioration but is an indirect effect of older age and lower walking speed in subjects suffering from more advanced knee osteoarthritis.

Kinematic analysis of subtalar eversion during gait in women with fibromyalgia

ObjectiveTo analyse the subtalar eversion range of motion during walking in women with fibromyalgia. MethodTwenty women diagnosed with fibromyalgia were directed to walk barefoot at comfortable and self-paced speed on a 7m walkway. Subtalar eversion range of motion was measured using the difference between the maximum and minimum values of subtalar eversion in stance phase. A range of motion between 4°–6° was considered as reference values for subtalar eversion during gait. Descriptive statistics were performed. ResultsIn both right and left lower limb analysis of subtalar eversion range of motion, five women showed joint hypomobility, and twelve showed hypermobility. Only one patient performed unaltered subtalar eversion range of motion in both lower limbs. Both joints expressed high variability, and there were no significant differences between the right and left sides. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that biomechanical function of the subtalar joint eversion during the loading response phase of gait in women with fibromyalgia, by excessive rigidity or complacency joint, tends to be impaired. This finding suggests that the indication of walking as an auxiliary strategy in the treatment of women with fibromyalgia should be preceded by thorough examination of the mechanical conditions of the subtalar joint of the patient.