Stride Characteristics Research Articles

Factors Related to Top Running Speed and Economy

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationships between running mechanics, top running speed and economy in young endurance athletes. Twenty five endurance athletes (age 19.8 +/- 1.1 years, stature 1.82 +/- 0.07 m and body mass 69.4 +/- 7.5 kg) performed two separate tests on an indoor track. The first test was 8 x 30 m with increasing speed, and the second test was incremental 5 - 6 x 1,000 m. In the first test, ground reaction forces and stride characteristics were measured from each running speed. In the second test, running economy at the speed of 3.89 m . s (-1) and maximal oxygen uptake were determined. Ground contact time was the only factor which correlated significantly with both running economy (r = 0.49, p < 0.05) and maximal running speed (r = - 0.52, p < 0.01). Furthermore, maximal running speed was correlated significantly with the mass-specific horizontal force (r = 0.56, p < 0.01) but not with the vertical effective force. It is concluded that the short contact times required in economical and high speed running suggests that fast force production is important for both economical running and high top running speed in distance runners.

Posture, gait and the ecological relevance of locomotor costs and energy-saving mechanisms in tetrapods

A reanalysis of locomotor data from functional, energetic, mechanical and ecological perspectives reveals that limb posture has major effects on limb biomechanics, energy-saving mechanisms and the costs of locomotion. Regressions of data coded by posture (crouched vs. erect) reveal nonlinear patterns in metabolic cost, limb muscle mass, effective mechanical advantage, and stride characteristics. In small crouched animals energy savings from spring and pendular mechanisms are inconsequential and thus the metabolic cost of locomotion is driven by muscle activation costs. Stride frequency appears to be the principal functional parameter related to the decreasing cost of locomotion in crouched animals. By contrast, the shift to erect limb postures invoked a series of correlated effects on the metabolic cost of locomotion: effective mechanical advantage increases, relative muscle masses decrease, metapodial limb segments elongate dramatically (as limbs shift from digitigrade to unguligrade designs) and biological springs increase in size and effectiveness. Each of these factors leads to decreases in the metabolic cost of locomotion in erect forms resulting from real and increasing contributions of pendular savings and spring savings. Comparisons of the relative costs and ecological relevance of different gaits reveal that running is cheaper than walking in smaller animals up to the size of dogs but running is more expensive than walking in horses. Animals do not necessarily use their cheapest gaits for their predominant locomotor activity. Therefore, locomotor costs are driven more by ecological relevance than by the need to optimize locomotor economy.

The effect of hoof lesion severity on stride characteristics of early lactation Holstein dairy cows measured using locomotion scoring and computerised motion analysis

Kinematic assessment of gait has been widely used in sports and equine science, this method gives objective and accurate information on the movement of the subject. Most locomotion scoring systems incorporate stride length however this is subjective and is difficult to compare observers. Kinematic studies have shown that cows with sole ulcers have a shorter stride length than those showing no hoof lesions (Flower et al, 2005). Telezhenko and Bergsten (2005) found a similar effect with moderately lame cows having a shorter stride length measured objectively from footprints than non lame cows. Increased locomotion score can also affect the tracking distance of the animal (Telezhenko and Bergsten, 2005). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of increasing locomotion score on stride length and tracking distance of Holstein dairy cows in early lactation.

Gender differences exist in osteoarthritic gait

Knee osteoarthritis is 2-3 times more prevalent in females than males. Biomechanical differences in gait may play a role in this gender predisposition. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are gender-based biomechanical differences in the gait patterns of people with knee osteoarthritis. Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed on healthy (18 males and 24 females) subjects and patients with moderate knee osteoarthritis (24 males and 15 females). Kinematics and kinetics at the hip, knee and ankle were calculated. Variables including anthropometrics, stride characteristics, strength, pain, stiffness, function and radiographic disease severity were also quantified. Multivariate statistical techniques and analysis of variance were used to test for main disease effects, main gender effects and disease vs. gender interactions. A significant interaction effect between gender and disease was found in the knee flexion angle and the knee moments in the sagittal, frontal and transverse planes. In each of these measures the females exhibited different biomechanics with osteoarthritis, while the osteoarthritic males maintained the same biomechanics as healthy males. This interaction between gender and osteoarthritis was not associated with differences in anthropometrics, stride characteristics, strength, pain, stiffness, function or radiographic disease severity between the populations. This study has found gait pattern differences between the genders in the osteoarthritic patients that were not apparent in the healthy subjects. This suggests that the biomechanics associated with knee osteoarthritis are gender dependent. Therefore, gender specific design of biomechanical interventions to slow the progression of osteoarthritis should be explored.

Lack of relationship between gait parameters and physical function in peripheral arterial disease

Physical function is limited in patients with peripheral arterial disease who are symptomatic with intermittent claudication (PAD-IC). When patients with PAD-IC experience claudication, previous reports have described gait abnormalities, including alterations in step length and cadence. This study tested the hypothesis that patients with PAD-IC would have a decrease in usual and maximal walking speed and that this alteration in gait parameters would contribute to their decreased physical function scores, even in the absence of claudication. The aims were to evaluate usual and maximal walking speed and gait parameters (step length, cadence and toe out angle) in subjects with PAD-IC and control subjects with similar baseline activity levels. A cross-sectional study of 25 subjects with PAD-IC compared with 26 age-matched controls was conducted in a research laboratory in an academic medical center. Study subjects were similar in age, gender, and physical activity status. Subjects with PAD-IC had an ankle-brachial index <0.90 in at least one leg and reported symptoms of intermittent claudication that limited walking ability. Subjects in either group were excluded if they used assistive devices to walk or were limited in walking ability by orthopedic, neurologic, cardiac, or pulmonary symptoms. Gait parameters were assessed at the onset of walking (before the development of claudication pain in the PAD-IC group) at self-selected and maximal walking speeds during which step and stride characteristics were collected. Subjects completed a physical activity recall, a Short Form questionnaire (SF-36), and a 6-minute walk that was limited by claudication in the PAD-IC group. During gait testing, no patient with PAD-IC developed claudication. There were no significant differences between the PAD-IC and control groups in usual or maximal walking speed or other gait variables (step length, cadence, stride width, toe out angle). In contrast, the SF-36 physical function score was reduced 15.2 percentage points (P < .02) and the summary physical component score was reduced 6.7 percentage points in the PAD-IC group compared with controls (P = .002). In addition, the 6-minute walk distance was significantly less in the PAD-IC group than in the control group by 308.8 feet (P < .001). A series of bivariate analyses demonstrated that PAD-IC was the best predictor of reduced physical function, whereas no gait parameter was associated with reduced physical function. Patients with PAD-IC have significantly reduced 6-minute walk distance and reduced physical function by questionnaire scores that was not explained by any effects of PAD-IC on walking speed and selected gait parameters assessed before the onset of claudication pain.

Double blind investigation of the effects of oral supplementation of combined glucosamine hydrochloride (GHCL) and chondroitin sulphate (CS) on stride characteristics of veteran horses

Oral chondroprotective supplements are commercially popular for veteran (and other athletic or arthritic) horses prone to joint degeneration, yet lack conclusive scientific support. To quantify the effects of an oral joint supplement (combination glucosamine hydrochloride (GHCL), chondroitin sulphate (CS) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) in vivo on stride parameters of veteran horses. Twenty veteran horses were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 15) or placebo group (n = 5). Pre-treatment gait characteristics were recorded at trot using digital video footage (50 Hz). The range of joint motion, stride length, and swing and stance duration were assessed using 2-dimensional motion analysis. Treatment (or placebo) was administered daily for 12 weeks at the manufacturer's recommended dosage. Gait was reassessed every 4 weeks using the pre-treatment protocol. Double blind procedure was implemented throughout. Relationships between variables were analysed using General Linear Model. Differences occurred in the treated horses by week 8. Range of joint motion increased significantly in the elbow (P<0.05), stifle and hind fetlock (P<0.01). Stride length increased significantly (P<0.05) with treatment. Swing duration was significantly increased at week 12 (P<0.05), whilst stance duration remained constant. The oral chondroprotective offered symptomatic relief to veteran horses, evidenced by improved stride characteristics. Oral GHCL and CS supplementation may improve welfare by alleviating symptoms of degenerative joint disease.

Harnessed vs. mounted Standardbreds on the track: changes in gait and physiological variables

It has become apparent through analysis of elite races over the past 20 years that mounted races are always slower than harnessed races when performed by the same horses over the same distances on the same tracks. To investigate and compare physiological and gait variables in mounted and harnessed activities in trotters. Ten trotters were taken at random in 2 standardised field exercise tests one week apart: a harnessed and a mounted test with standardised weight jockeys and drivers. Speed, heart rate (HR), respiratory frequency (RF), blood lactate concentration (La), stride characteristics (length, frequency [SF], symmetry, regularity, dorsoventral displacement of the sternum and vertical, longitudinal and lateral activities measuring the amount of deceleration and acceleration along the 3 axis) were measured. Paired t tests and an analysis of variance were calculated between the 2 conditions and revealed that V4 (speed for a La of 4 mmol/I), V200 (speed for a HR of 200 beats/min), stride length, trot symmetry, lateral activity were lower in the mounted condition. In contrast, RF, SF, dorsoventral displacement, vertical and longitudinal activities were significantly higher in mounted horses compared to harnessed horses. The significant physiological and biomechanical differences between pulling whilst harnessed and being ridden reflect an increase in the energy requirement of locomotion in the mounted condition compared to the harnessed condition. Trotting mounted at maximal speed is more demanding for the horse than harnessed as reflected by the lower V4 and V200 and some gait variables change in relation to this phenomenon. This study demonstrates that trotting mounted at sub-maximum and maximum speed is more demanding for the horse when ridden and that it modifies some gait variables, either as a result or even as a possible cause.

Trunk muscle activation patterns during walking at different speeds

Investigations of trunk muscle activation during gait are rare in the literature. As yet, the small body of literature on trunk muscle activation during gait does not include any systematic study on the influence of walking speed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze trunk muscle activation patterns at different walking speeds. Fifteen healthy men were investigated during walking on a treadmill at speeds of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 km/h. Five trunk muscles were investigated using surface EMG (SEMG). Data were time normalized according to stride time and grand averaged SEMG curves were calculated. From these data stride characteristics were extracted: mean SEMG amplitude, minimum SEMG level and the variation coefficient (VC) over the stride period. With increasing walking speed, muscle activation patterns remained similar in terms of phase dependent activation during stride, but mean amplitudes increased generally. Phasic activation, indicated by VC, increased also, but remained almost unchanged for the back muscles (lumbar multifidus and erector spinae) between 4 and 6 km/h. During stride, minimum amplitude reached a minimum at 4 km/h for the back muscles, but for internal oblique muscle it decreased continuously from 2 to 6 km/h. Cumulative sidewise activation of all investigated muscles reached maximum amplitudes during the contralateral heel strike and propulsion phases. The observed changes argue for a speed dependent modulation of activation of trunk muscles within the investigated range of walking speeds prior to strictly maintaining certain activation characteristics for all walking speeds.

A Comparison of Shoulder Joint Forces During Ambulation With Crutches Versus a Walker in Persons With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Lighthall Haubert L, Gutierrez DD, Newsam CJ, Gronley JK, Mulroy SJ, Perry J. A comparison of shoulder joint forces during ambulation with crutches versus a walker in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury. Objective To compare 3-dimensional (3D) shoulder joint reaction forces and stride characteristics during bilateral forearm crutches and front-wheeled walker ambulation in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Design Cross-sectional cohort study. Setting Biomechanics laboratory. Participants Fourteen adult volunteers with incomplete SCI recruited from outpatient rehabilitation hospital services. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure Peak force, rate of loading, and force-time integral were compared for each component of the net 3D shoulder joint reaction force during ambulation with crutches and a walker. Stride characteristics were also compared between assistive device conditions. Results The largest weight-bearing force was superiorly directed, followed by the posterior force. The superior joint force demonstrated a significantly higher peak and rate of loading during crutch walking (48.9N and 311.6N/s, respectively, vs 45.3N and 199.8N/s, respectively). The largest non-weight-bearing force was inferiorly directed with a significantly greater peak occurring during crutch ambulation (43.2N vs 23.6N during walker gait). Walking velocity and cadence were similar; however, stride length was significantly greater during crutch walking (62% vs 58% of normal). Conclusions Shoulder joint forces during assisted ambulation were large. Crutch use increased the superior force but did not increase walking velocity.

Biomechanical characteristics of adults walking in shallow water and on land

Although water environment has been employed for different physical activities, there is little available information regarding the biomechanical characteristics of walking in shallow water. In the present study, we investigated the kinematics, ground reaction forces (GRF), and electromyographic (EMG) activation patterns of eight selected muscles of adults walking in shallow water and on land. Ten healthy adults were videotaped while walking at self-selected comfortable speeds on land and in water (at the Xiphoid process level). In both conditions there was a force plate embedded in the middle of each walkway to register the GRF components. Reflective markers were placed over main anatomical landmarks and they were digitalized later to obtain stride characteristics and joint angle information. In general, walking in water was different to walking on land in many aspects and these differences were attributed to the drag force, the apparent body weight reduction, and the lower comfortable speed during walking in shallow water. The joint range of motions (ROM) were not different, the segment ROM, magnitudes of GRF components, impact force, and impulse were different between the two conditions. The present results will contribute to a better understanding of this activity in the context of training and rehabilitation.

Relationships between exercise capacity and front hoof longitudinal balance in horses

AbstractTo the authors' knowledge, the effect of hoof balance alteration on exercise capacity or performance has not been investigated. With the aim of evaluating the relationships between longitudinal front hoof balance and exercise capacity (lactate vs. speed relationship, run time and stride characteristics), two experiments were undertaken. In the first test the horses, left unshod, performed an incremental speed test in which parameters chosen to evaluate exercise capacity were related to hoof longitudinal balance. In the second part of the study the same group of horses had the length of the toe altered (decreased and increased) with the application of shoes, while the angle of the foot and the height of the foot from the ground remained the same. The relative change in exercise capacity due to the alteration of longitudinal balance was observed. In the unshod experiment, lactate level at the speed of 10 ms-1 (5.0±2.0 mmoll-1) was significantly associated with the angles DC° (angle described by the dorsal cortex with respect to the ground; 50.0±3.2°) and PC° (angle described by the palmar cortex with respect to the ground; 29.6 ± 2.9°), while run time (14.07 ± 1.44 min) was associated with breakover indices (Breakover index1 0.33±0.03; Breakover index2 0.30 ± 0.04 – all values mean ± standard deviation (SD)) (breakover indices were created to express the distance between the point of the toe and the point of the third phalanx relative to the length of the palmar cortex or relative to the distance between the point of the third phalanx and the centre of rotation of the distal interphalangeal joint). These associations have to be judged cautiously because the influence of hoof balance on exercise capacity could be biased by other physiological factors and because hoof balance parameters themselves could reflect the conformation of other anatomical structures far from the phalanges. The selective alteration of front hoof balance in the second part of the study produced a significant difference in blood lactate level only at 6 ms-1 (mean ± SD: La6?m?s-1 0.32 ± 0.39 mmoll-1), with this benefit in terms of lactate level being associated with an increase in stride length (mean ± SD: ΔSL6ms-1 0.01 ± 0.05 m; ΔSL10ms-1 0.112 ± 0.218 m). In conclusion, while higher exercise capacity seemed to be associated with lower DC°, PC° and breakover indices, decreasing the toe length without altering the foot angle was beneficial only in terms of lactate level at the speed of 6 ms-1 for horses with DC° greater than 45°; this benefit was accompanied by a slight lengthening of the stride at both 6 and 10 ms-1.

The influence of head and neck position on kinematics of the back in riding horses at the walk and trot

A common opinion among riders and in the literature is that the positioning of the head and neck influences the back of the horse, but this has not yet been measured objectively. To evaluate the effect of head and neck position on the kinematics of the back in riding horses. Eight Warmblood riding horses in regular work were studied on a treadmill at walk and trot with the head and neck in 3 different predetermined positions achieved by side reins attached to the bit and to an anticast roller. The 3-dimensional movement of the thoracolumbar spine was measured from the position of skin-fixed markers recorded by infrared videocameras. Head and neck position influenced the movements of the back, especially at the walk. When the head was fixed in a high position at the walk, the flexion-extension movement and lateral bending of the lumbar back, as well as the axial rotation, were significantly reduced when compared to movements with the head free or in a low position. At walk, head and neck position also significantly influenced stride length, which was shortest with the head in a high position. At trot, the stride length was independent of head position. Restricting and restraining the position and movement of the head and neck alters the movement of the back and stride characteristics. With the head and neck in a high position stride length and flexion and extension of the caudal back were significantly reduced. Use of side reins in training and rehabilitation programmes should be used with an understanding of the possible effects on the horse's back.

Compensatory load redistribution of horses with induced weightbearing hindlimb lameness trotting on a treadmill

The compensatory mechanisms of horses with weightbearing hindlimb lameness are still not fully understood. That weightbearing, unilateral hindlimb lameness would not only alter stride characteristics to diminish structural stress in the affected limb but also induce compensatory load adjustments in the other supporting limbs. To document the load and time shifting mechanisms of horses with unilateral weightbearing hindlimb lameness. Reversible lameness was induced in 8 clinically sound horses by applying a solar pressure model. Three degrees of lameness (subtle, mild and moderate) were induced and compared with the nonlame (sound) control measurement. Vertical ground reaction forces were recorded for all 4 limbs simultaneously on an instrumented treadmill. Compared to the sound situation, moderate hindlimb hoof lameness induced a decrease in stride duration (-3.3%) and stride impulse (-3.1%). Diagonal impulse decreased selectively in the lame diagonal stance (-7.7%). Within the diagonal limb pair, vertical impulse was shifted to the forelimb during the lame diagonal stance (+6.5%) and to the hindlimb during the sound diagonal stance (+3.2%). Peak vertical force and vertical impulse decreased in the lame limb (-15%), but only vertical impulse increased in the contralateral hindlimb (+5.7%). Stance duration was prolonged in both hindlimbs (+2.5%). Suspension duration was reduced to a greater extent after push-off of the lame diagonal limb pair (-21%) than after the sound diagonal limb pair (-9.2%). Four compensatory mechanisms could be identified that served to reduce structural stress, i.e. peak vertical force on the affected limb: 1) reduction of the total vertical impulse per stride; 2) diagonal impulse decreased selectively in the lame diagonal; 3) impulse was shifted within the lame diagonal to the forelimb and in the sound diagonal to the hindlimb; and 4) the rate of loading and peak forces were reduced by prolonging the stance duration. Load shifting mechanisms are not only effective in diminishing peak forces in the affected limb, but also suppress compensatory overload in other limbs. Selected force and time parameters allow the unequivocal identification of the lame limb. Future studies have to examine how far these compensatory mechanisms may be generalised for other defined orthopaedic problems in the hindlimb.

Upper extremity kinetics during Lofstrand crutch-assisted gait

A three-dimensional (3D) biomechanical model was developed to determine upper extremity kinematics and kinetics of persons walking with forearm crutches. Six-component load cells and strain gauges were installed in the crutches to determine crutch forces. A six-camera VICON motion system was used to acquire coordinate data from 24 reflective markers attached to the upper extremities and crutches. Joint axes for the wrist, elbow, and glenohumeral joints were defined and joint forces and moments were determined using inverse dynamics. Accuracy of the crutch instrumentation was established by simultaneously collecting force data from a Kistler forceplate and each crutch during crutch-assisted gait with the respective crutch tip contacting the forceplate. In order to demonstrate the application of this biomechanical model, upper extremity weight bearing forces, joint motion, and stride characteristics were recorded from a subject with T-12 incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), using a crutch-assisted reciprocal four-point gait pattern. The peak net joint forces and moments were greater for the right arm opposite the weaker left lower extremity. The largest joint forces were directed superiorly ( F z ) and the asymmetrical pattern of crutch use was consistent with lower extremity strength differences. During left leg weight acceptance, increased right wrist extension motion and moment were recorded, which may contribute to wrist pathology.

Step characteristics during obstacle avoidance in hemiplegic stroke

Whereas several animal studies have indicated the important role of the motor cortex in the control of voluntary gait modifications, little is known about the effects of cortical lesions on gait adaptability in humans. Obstacle avoidance tasks provide an adequate paradigm to study the adaptability of the stepping pattern under controlled, experimental conditions. In the present study, an exploratory assessment was made of the failure rate, the preferred stepping strategies (step lengthening vs step shortening), and the spatiotemporal stride characteristics (percentage increases in stride length, duration, and velocity of the crossing and postcrossing strides) during obstacle avoidance in 11 hemiplegic stroke patients and seven healthy controls. Patients were less successful in avoiding obstacles than controls (14% failure rate vs 0.5% in controls), independent of whether the affected or the unaffected leg led the obstacle avoidance. The number of failed trials increased systematically when the available response time became shorter. During successful trials, lengthening of the step was generally preferred over shortening. This bias towards step lengthening was more pronounced in stroke patients (step lengthening in 91% of the trials vs 75% in controls), irrespective of the side of obstacle presentation. For both groups, overall strategy preference did not adhere to a principle of minimal foot displacement, since step lengthening was used even if it would be more spatially efficient to shorten the step. No statistically significant group differences were found for the increases in length, duration, and velocity of the crossing and postcrossing strides. However, for a subgroup of more slowly walking patients, large percentage increases were found in crossing stride length, duration, and velocity. Similar results were obtained for the postcrossing stride, indicating that, for this subgroup of patients, restoration of the normal walking cadence was more difficult. Overall, no systematic differences were found between the affected and the unaffected leg in stroke patients with respect to failure rates, stepping strategies, or spatiotemporal measures of obstacle avoidance. The present findings suggest that the ability to adequately modify the stepping pattern in response to imposed spatiotemporal constraints is impaired in persons with stroke, especially when modifications have to be performed under time pressure. In addition, the stepping strategies employed by subjects with stroke are different from those found in controls, possibly to reduce the complexity of the avoidance maneuver and to enhance safety. Finally, unilateral cortical damage results in an impaired ability to avoid obstacles on both sides of the body, suggesting that the reduced ability of stroke patients to negotiate obstacles may be related to problems of a more general coordinative nature.

Energy expenditure and gait characteristics of a bilateral amputee walking with C-leg prostheses compared with stubby and conventional articulating prostheses

Perry J, Burnfield JM, Newsam CJ, Conley P. Energy expenditure and gait characteristics of a bilateral amputee walking with C-Leg prostheses compared with stubby and conventional articulating prostheses. Objective To compare energy cost and stride characteristics during walking with 3 different types of prostheses in a person with bilateral knee disarticulations. Design Single-case study. Setting Pathokinesiology laboratory. Participant A subject with bilateral knee disarticulations and bilateral transradial amputations secondary to meningococcemia with purpura fulminans. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures Energy cost, stride characteristics, and motion analysis. Results When wearing the C-Leg prostheses, the subject walked the farthest and fastest, with an overall lower rate of oxygen consumption and oxygen cost compared with walking with either of the other prostheses. Gait analysis while the patient was wearing the C-Leg prostheses revealed premature hip extension, absence of knee flexion during loading response, and a rate of swing in the referent range. Conclusions Walking in a C-leg was the most efficient method of ambulation for our subject.

Muscle Activation Pattern of Hip Arthroplasty Patients in Walking

This study examined the hip abductor activation pattern of 14 hip replacement patients and 10 age-matched healthy controls by measuring surface electromyography (EMG) onset and cessation times. Stride characteristics, surface EMG from bilateral gluteus medius, and 3D pelvis kinematics were evaluated during treadmill ambulation. EMG onset times were normalized with regard to the individual stride time for each gait cycle. An ANOVA revealed significantly delayed EMG onset times (p < .001) in comparing hip abductors of the operated side with the unimpaired side and the healthy controls. Between subject effects also demonstrated significant differences (p < .01) for stance duration and sagittal pelvis range of motion. No significant differences were found for EMG cessation times and angular pelvis peak-to-peak ranges in the frontal and transverse planes. The results indicated deficiencies in the hip abductor recruitment pattern of hip arthroplasty patients. Further analysis should explore whether specific exercises, or rehabilitation programs can facilitate adequate muscle activation.

Temporal variables of the canter of the Tennessee Walking Horse

AbstractTemporal stride characteristics of the canter were compared between performance-shod (PS) and light-shod (LS) Tennessee Walking Horses, which generally differ in training and shoeing methods. Four consecutive strides for ten PS and ten LS horses were filmed (30 Hz), and frame-by-frame analysis performed to determine stride duration and individual limb stance duration. Also analysed was the percentage of stride duration devoted to single, bipedal or tripedal limb support. Footfall sequence for PS was trailing hind (TrH), leading hind (LdH), trailing fore (TrF) and leading fore (LdF), whereas footfall sequence for LS horses varied, with the majority of LS performing a sequence of TrH–TrF–LdH–LdF. Stride duration was greater for PS. As a percentage of stride duration, PS demonstrated greater duration of TrF and LdF, while LS demonstrated greater LdH duration. Hind and fore single limb support, and tripedal support, were greater for LS; however, PS utilized bipedal support to a larger extent than LS. Hind or forelimb bipedal support was demonstrated only in PS, while only LS demonstrated lateral bipedal support. Thus, while both performance- and light-shod Tennessee Walking Horses perform the canter, temporal variables for this gait differ dramatically between the two groups.

Relationships between stride characteristics and scores in dressage tests

Relationships between stride characteristics and scores in dressage tests

Gait in stabilized hemiplegic outpatients in rehabilitation

Purpose : Hemiplegic patients generally expect an improvement of their gait even at 1 year after stroke. This open and prospective study was addressed to detect even subtle changes in gait characteristics in stabilized patients in rehabilitation treatment by using an opto-electronic system of analysis (ELITE). Methods : Forty-two hemiplegic patients were entered on this study, and mean age was 63.2 years (SD 9.9). The gait measures were obtained four times for each patient; at time of baseline, at the 15th, 30th and 90th day from the beginning of rehabilitation treatment. Plantar flexion moment and ankle joint power were always recorded. Forty healthy volunteers served as controls. Four stride characteristics were examined: duration, length, frequency and speed. ANOVA for repeated measures was used. Results : In spite of rehabilitation treatment no results in gait were observed after 3 months. A study on patients' expectancy was also done. At the beginning they were given a simple questionnaire along with DSM-IV CISD-1. None of the patients presented with major depression. At admission 38 (90%) patients expected an improvement of the gait. At the end of the rehabilitation treatment, 36 (85%) patients were still confident about therapy and believed in further improvements of their locomotion, whilst six (15%) were dubious. Conclusions : The study shows discrepancies between objective results and subjective feelings. Psychological factors account for the patients' request of long training periods and alleged favourable outcome.