Walkway Length Research Articles

Comparison of the effects of foot-toe orthoses on three-dimensional pelvic kinematics in individuals with hallux valgus during gait

Most previous studies focused on the possible relationship between hallux valgus deformity and biomechanical characteristics in the foot and lower leg. Very few investigated the association of pelvic kinematics and hallux valgus during gait according to various foot-toe orthoses for hallux valgus. To investigate the effect of soft or hard foot-toe orthoses on pelvic kinematics in individuals with hallux valgus deformity during gait. This study has a repeated measures design. Three-dimensional range of motion in the pelvic segment was collected from 22 individuals (18 women and 4 men) aged 21 to 52 years (mean 31.7 years, SD 8.7) with hallux valgus. All participants exhibited a hallux valgus angle of more than 20 degree in both feet. A motion analysis system with eight infrared cameras was used to obtain pelvic kinematic data in the hard plastic orthosis, soft silicone orthosis, and without foot-toe orthosis conditions during gait. The two types of hallux valgus orthoses used in this experiment were commercially available products. The participants performed 8-10 walking trials. The walkway length was 6 m. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of each orthosis condition on the pelvic kinematic values. The hard plastic orthosis condition was associated with decreased pelvic motion compared with the soft-type orthosis and no orthosis conditions for depression (F (2,42) = 7.329, P = 0.004), external rotation (F (2,42) = 4.367, P = 0.027), and overall transverse motion (F (2,42) = 4.897, P = 0.019) of the pelvic segment during gait. There were no significant differences in other pelvic motion variables between the without foot-toe orthosis and soft silicone orthosis conditions ( P > 0.05). The results of this study suggest that the hard-type foot-toe orthosis for hallux valgus reduced pelvic motion and contributed to preventing excessive pelvic movement during gait.

Distance-limited walk tests post-stroke: A systematic review of measurement properties.

BACKGROUND:Improving walking capacity is a key objective of post-stroke rehabilitation. Evidence describing the quality and protocols of standardized tools for assessing walking capacity can facilitate their implementation.OBJECTIVE:To synthesize existing literature describing test protocols and measurement properties of distance-limited walk tests in people post-stroke.METHODS:Electronic database searches were completed in 2017. Records were screened and appraised for quality.RESULTS:Data were extracted from 43 eligible articles. Among the 12 walk tests identified, the 10-metre walk test (10mWT) at a comfortable pace was most commonly evaluated. Sixty-three unique protocols at comfortable and fast paces were identified. Walking pace and walkway surface, but not walkway length, influenced walking speed. Intraclass correlation coefficients for test-retest reliability ranged from 0.80–0.99 across walk tests. Measurement error values ranged from 0.04–0.40 and 0.06 to 0.20 for the 10mWT at comfortable and fast and paces, respectively. Across walk tests, performance was most frequently correlated with measures of strength, balance, and physical activity (r = 0.26-0.8, p < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:The 10mWT has the most evidence of reliability and validity. Findings indicate that studies that include people with severe walking deficits, in acute and subacute phases of recovery, with improved quality of reporting, are needed.

The Impact of University Campus Spatial Organisation on Pedestrian Speed: A Comparison between the Old and New Campuses of Sulaimani University

Walkable university campuses require comprehensive planning and design that considers the campus as a whole, which means that buildings and the surrounding environment should not be segmented from a walkability point of view. Without considering the walkability criterion, the spatial organisation of the teaching buildings on university campuses may negatively impact pedestrian speed. This paper outline a comparative study of the old and new campuses of Sulaimani University, which have different types of spatial organisation, to demonstrate the impact of campus layout design on pedestrian speed. The aim is to show how university campus design and spatial organisation type affect pedestrian speed and determine the best type of campus layout design from a walkability point of view. For the empirical study, data were collected through video recordings and observing pedestrian speed between 8:00 am and 9:00 am for 15 days on both campuses. The recorded data were then transformed into numerical values such as speed, and different types of walking. In a second step, data about physical characteristics of campusesdesignwere collected, such as walkway length, width and level, and number of pedestrian walkway intersections.Finally, using multiple linear regression analysis, a mathematical model was designed to test campus spatial organisation on pedestrian speed. In this way, comparing the results for the campuses, the findings reveal that campus layout design and walkway characteristics affect pedestrian speed with different impact ratios. The results indicate the best spatial organisation type for walkable campuses.

Effects of Hallux Valgus Orthoses on Ground Reaction Force Using 3D Motion Analysis in Individuals With Hallux Valgus Deformity

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) is a foot deformity developed by mediolateral deviation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Although various foot-toe orthoses were used to correct the HV angle, verification of the effects of kinetics variables such as ground reaction force (GRF) through three-dimensional (3D) gait analysis according to the various type of orthoses for HV is insufficient. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of soft and hard types of foot and toe orthoses to correct HV deformity on the GRF in individuals with HV using 3D motion analysis system during walking. Methods: Twenty-six subjects participated in the experiment. Participants had HV angle of more than 15° in both feet. Two force platforms were used to obtain 3D GRF data for both feet and a 3D motion capture system with six infrared cameras was used to measure exact stance phase point such as heel strike or toe off period. Total walk trials of each participant were 8 to 10, the walkway length was 6 m. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine the effects of each orthosis condition on the various GRF values. Results: The late anteroposterior maximal force and a first vertical peak force of the GRF showed that the hard type orthosis condition significantly increased GRF compared to the other orthosis conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There were significant effects in GRF values when wearing the hard type foot orthosis. However, the hard type foot orthosis was uncomfortable to wear during walking. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new foot-toe orthosis that can compensate for these disadvantages.

Simulation of Pedestrian Behaviour As Design Criteria For University Teaching Buildings

Pedestrian movement in the built environment is clearly shaped by the nature of a particular environment, with human behaviour shaped by the design of structures. To understand and analyse pedestrian behaviour while moving in open spaces at a very fine scale, simulation modelling is an essential tool. The aim of this paper is to study the impacts of the built environment on pedestrian behaviour and to understand the ways people walk on university campuses. Further, another aim of the study is to show through our simulation model how physical variables affect pedestrian behaviour and thus establish criteria for designing walkable campuses. In a first step, through video recordings, pedestrians were observed walking from the gates of a university campus to teaching buildings. The recorded data was then transformed into numerical values such as speed, delay, and walking type. In a second step, data about campuses were collected, such as walkway length, width and level, and number of pedestrian walkway intersections. Nest, using multiple regression, a mathematical simulation model was designed to test environmental impacts on walking behaviour. In this way, the impacts of the built environment on pedestrian behaviour were revealed.

Validation of stroke-specific protocols for the 10-meter walk test and 6-minute walk test conducted using 15-meter and 30-meter walkways

ABSTRACTBackground: Stroke-specific protocols for the 10-meter and 6-minute walk tests that include instructions for people with aphasia, accessible walkway lengths, and allow provision of assistance to walk are needed to facilitate uptake in hospital settings.Objectives: To estimate the test-retest reliability, measurement error, and construct validity of stroke-specific protocols for the 10-meter walk test (10mWT), and 6-minute walk test conducted using a 15-meter walkway (6MWT15m) and 30-meter walkway (6MWT30m), in people post-stroke.Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study involving ambulatory people post-stroke was conducted.Results: Data were collected from 21 and 20 participants at baseline and retest, respectively, 1–3 days apart. Mean age was 61 years, median time post-stroke was 134 days, and 90% had experienced an ischemic stroke. Performance on the 10mWT, 6MWT15m, and 6MWT30m across sessions yielded intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2, 1) estimates of test-retest reliability of 0.83, 0.97, 0.95, respectively, and minimal detectable change values at the 95% confidence level of 0.40m/s, 44.0m, and 67.5m, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.80–0.95 (p < .001) between results on all three walk tests and 0.27–0.48 (p < .25) between walk test results and strength subscale scores on the Stroke Impact Scale.Conclusions: Findings showed excellent test-retest reliability; measurement error values similar to current literature; and support for construct validity of the 10mWT, 6MWT15m, and 6MWT30m. Due to the shorter walkway, the 6MWT15m may be more feasible to implement than the 6MWT30m in hospital settings. A larger sample with more severe deficits is required to improve generalizability.

GW28-e0634 Effect of Walkway Length and Shape on Six-Minute Walk Distance among 20-30 Years Old Healthy Adults: An Observational Study

This study aimed to explore the effect of walkway length and shape on the distance during the six-minute walk test (6MWT) among healthy adults aged 20-30 years. This was a cross-sectional observational study. Totally 36 young healthy subjects were enrolled in the Sun Yat-sen university from

Width Design of Urban Rail Transit Station Walkway: A Novel Simulation-Based Optimization Approach

The optimal design of the walkway at an urban rail transit station is a vital issue. The Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual (TCQSM) TCRP-100 report for the design of urban rail transit station walkway and the existing design models neglect the important factors such as randomness in the passenger arrival rate, randomness and state-dependent service time of the walkway and blocking phenomenon when the passenger flow demand exceeds the walkway capacity. There obviously exists a need to develop a design approach that overcomes these shortcomings. For this purpose, this paper details a simulation-based optimization approach that provides width design through automatic reconfiguration of walkway width during the simulation–optimization process based on phase-type (PH) distribution. The integrated PH/PH(n)/C/C discrete-event simulation (DES) model and optimization method that uses the genetic algorithm (GA) work together concurrently to obtain optimized (design) widths for different passenger flow and level of service (LOS) The numerical experiments are conducted to compare the proposed model with the existing design methods. It reveals that: (1) The width obtained by our proposed model is higher than the existing width design models; (2) when squared coefficient of variation of passenger arrival interval increases, the walkway width increases more for our proposed model than the existing design models; (3) when the arrival rate increases, the walkway width of our proposed model increases faster than the existing design models; (4) the increase in the length of walkway has no significant effect on the walkway width.

Considerations for the Selection of Time-Limited Walk Tests Poststroke: A Systematic Review of Test Protocols and Measurement Properties.

Systematic reviews of research evidence describing the quality and methods for administering standardized outcome measures are essential to developing recommendations for their clinical application. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the research literature describing test protocols and measurement properties of time-limited walk tests in people poststroke. Following an electronic search of 7 bibliographic data-bases, 2 authors independently screened titles and abstracts. One author identified eligible articles, and performed quality appraisal and data extraction. Of 12 180 records identified, 43 articles were included. Among 5 walk tests described, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was most frequently evaluated (n = 36). Only 5 articles included participants in the acute phase (<1 month) poststroke. Within tests, protocols varied. Walkway length and walking aid, but not turning direction, influenced 6MWT performance. Intraclass correlation coefficients for reliability were 0.68 to 0.71 (12MWT) and 0.80 to 1.00 (2-, 3-, 5- and 6MWT). Minimal detectable change values at the 90% confidence level were 11.4 m (2MWT), 24.4 m (5MWT), and 27.7 to 52.1 m (6MWT; n = 6). Moderate-to-strong correlations (≥0.5) between 6MWT distance and balance, motor function, walking speed, mobility, and stair capacity were consistently observed (n = 33). Moderate-to-strong correlations between 5MWT performance and walking speed/independence (n = 1), and between 12MWT performance and balance, motor function, and walking speed (n = 1) were reported. Strong evidence of the reliability and construct validity of using the 6MWT poststroke exists; studies in the acute phase are lacking. Because protocol variations influence performance, a standardized 6MWT protocol poststroke for use across the care continuum is needed.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A150).

EFFECT OF AGE, GENDER, AND WALKWAY LENGTH ON ACCELEROMETRY-BASED GAIT PARAMETERS FOR HEALTHY ADULT SUBJECTS

Accelerometry is now a well-established method for monitoring human body movements, and is increasingly being used for gait analysis under nonlaboratory conditions because of its low-cost and unobtrusive nature. In order to encourage its use in the clinical setting such as for assessing functional declines due to aging or disease, an extensive database of healthy gait is needed. This paper presents reference data for 245 normal Japanese adults (126 men and 119 women aged 40–86 years) obtained from indoor walk tests by using a trunk-mounted acceleration sensor. Seven gait parameters were extracted from the acceleration data measured at fast, normal, and slow gait for 5[Formula: see text]m and 10[Formula: see text]m walkways. The effects of age on cadence, speed, and step length were consistent with those observed in previous studies. Scaled speed and acceleration were closely correlated with each other, and exhibited similar gender- and age-associated behavior, indicating that they could be used interchangeably in gait analysis. A comparison of these parameters between different walkways revealed a significant effect of walkway length. Our parameters may provide a useful reference database for the clinical analysis of not only healthy gait but also impaired gait for the 10[Formula: see text]m walkway as well as for the shorter 5[Formula: see text]m walkway.

The effect of walking path configuration on six-minute walk test performance and gait variability: A pilot study

E-mail address: cleveland.barnett@ntu.ac.uk (C.T. Barnett). Introduction and aim: Gait variability reflects the inherent stability of gait resulting frompathologyor ageing [1],while assessments such as the six-minute walk test (6MWT) provide an overall indicator of functional capacity [2]. Accuratemeasurement of these gait characteristics is important for clinical decision making and the reporting of valid research data. However, variation in the configuration of gait trials, such as walkway lengths, number of trials/strides recorded and familiarisation protocols, are proposed to impact upon the key outcome measures associated with these gait characteristics [3,4]. Therefore, the current study investigated the effect ofwalkway configuration on 6MWTperformance and the variability of temporal–spatial gait measures. Patients, materials andmethods: Sixteen healthy participants (age 22.1±1.0 years, height 1.78±0.07m, mass 76.8±9.4 kg), completed two familiarisation 6MWT trials according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines [2]. Participants then completed five randomly ordered experimental 6MWT trials over two days with walkway configurations of 5m (5M), 10m (10M) and 15m (15M) straight sections, a rectangular box (6×3m) (BOX) and figure of eight incorporating two 10m straight sections (FIG8). During these trials, reflectivemarkerswere attached to the sacrumand the posterior and anterior aspects of the feetwith kinematic data being recorded at 100Hz by a nine-cameramotion capture system (Qualisys, Gothenburg, SE). Data were processed in Visual 3D (C-Motion, Inc., Germantown, USA) with the variability of temporal–spatial measures calculated. Results: Preliminary analysis of the data indicated that a decreasing need to turn and change direction, increased the 6MWT distance achieved (F(4,60) =101.97, p<0.001, p = 0.87) (Table 1). Post-hoc tests revealed that the greatest 6MWT distance was achieved during 15M and FIG8 trials (p=0.01), with the 5M trial resulting in a lower 6MWTdistancewhen compared to all other trials (p<0.01).Walking speedwas also increased,with the decreased need to change direction (F(4,60) =102.89, p<0.001, p = 0.87) (Table 1). Similarly, post-hoc tests revealed that the greatest walking speed was observed during the 15M and FIG8 trials (p=0.01) and the lowest during the 5M trial (p≤0.02). Although the number of strides participants took also increased with a reduced need to change direction (F(4,60) =7.93, p<0.001, p = 0.35) (Table 1), this effectwas reduced across trials, with amaximumdifference of 10.5 strides between 15M and 5M trials. Discussion and conclusions: Results indicated that walkway configuration had a significant effect on 6MWT performance. Increased uninterrupted gait i.e. reduced turning, resulted in

Protocol variations and six-minute walk test performance in stroke survivors: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Objective. To investigate the use of the six-minute walk test (6MWT) for stroke survivors, including adherence to 6MWT protocol guidelines and distances achieved. Methods. A systematic search was conducted from inception to March 2014. Included studies reported a baseline (intervention studies) or first instance (observational studies) measure for the 6MWT performed by stroke survivors regardless of time after stroke. Results. Of 127 studies (participants n = 6,012) that met the inclusion criteria, 64 were also suitable for meta-analysis. Only 25 studies made reference to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) standards for the 6MWT, and 28 reported using the protocol standard 30 m walkway. Thirty-nine studies modified the protocol walkway, while 60 studies did not specify the walkway used. On average, stroke survivors walked 284 ± 107 m during the 6MWT, which is substantially less than healthy age-matched individuals. The meta-analysis identified that changes to the ATS protocol walkway are associated with reductions in walking distances achieved. Conclusion. The 6MWT is now widely used in stroke studies. The distances achieved by stroke patients indicate substantially compromised walking ability. Variations to the standard 30 m walkway for the 6MWT are common and caution should be used when comparing the values achieved from studies using different walkway lengths.

Assessing the Walking Speed of Older Adults

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of walkway length (5, 8, or 10 m) on measurements of comfortable and maximum walking speed in healthy older adults. In this cross-sectional study at a university-based rehabilitation center, 25 healthy older adults (mean age, 60.3 ± 8.3 yrs) participated in timed walking at both comfortable and maximum speeds with different walkway lengths (5-, 8-, and 10-m walkway distances) measured by a stopwatch. Walkway length did not affect either comfortable walking speed (P = 0.319) or maximum walking speed (P = 0.568). For all walkway lengths, comfortable speed was significantly different from maximum speed (P < 0.001). Different walkway lengths (5, 8, and 10 m) do not affect both comfortable and maximum walking speed and can yield consistent results in measuring gait speed clinically. A 5-m walkway with standardized 2-m acceleration and 2-m deceleration distances is recommended because it occupies less space and imposes less stress on the healthy older adults.

Setting up a Human Motion Analysis Laboratory: Camera Positioning for Kinematic Recording of Gait

This article compares the techniques used for camera positioning in a study room, proposing optimized data collection for three-dimensional analysis. This study analyzed the usable recording volume of three different video camera layouts: six equidistant cameras (C6), 8 equidistant cameras (C8E) and 8 cameras using enhanced positioning techniques (C8EP). In the last configuration, we attempted to place the cameras in certain locations in the room so that they had the same capture volume. It was observed that the volume of the 8 equidistant camera layout remained practically the same as that using the 6 camera layout (C6=10.579 m³ C8E x=11.565 m³). Regarding the enhanced positioning layout (C8EP), a 37% gain in usable walkway length was obtained, along with a 14% gain in width, 34% in height, and a consequent increase of 110% in total volume (22.247 m³). Although most modern kinematic analysis software have tools that are able to fill in the markings trajectory, the enhanced positioning camera layout provides more accurate information and data interpretation, besides ensuring better usage of rooms with restricted dimensions. The considerable gain in vertical dimension allows for the evaluation of performed activities at a higher level, such as those involving the upper limbs or steps.

Effect of walkway length and turning direction on the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test among adults over 50 years of age: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of walkway length and turning direction on the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in healthy adults aged ≥50 years. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingUniversity-based rehabilitation centre. ParticipantsTwenty-five healthy adults aged ≥50 years. Outcome measuresDistance covered in the 6MWT (6MWD) was recorded in metres. Number of turns during the test using walkways of various lengths (10, 20 and 30m) and different turning directions (turning towards dorminant and non-dorminant side), rate of perceived exertion and heart rate were recorded before and after the test. ResultsThe 6MWD and the number of turns differed significantly with walkway length (P<0.05). The greatest 6MWD and the lowest number of turns were recorded in the 30-m walkway. Significant increases in heart rate and rate of perceived exertion (P<0.05) were found between the pre-test and post-test for all testing conditions. No significant difference was found between the two turning directions for any distance covered. ConclusionThe length of the walkway had a significant effect on the 6MWD, but the turning direction did not. This suggests that subjects can turn in either direction without significantly affecting the results when using a standard walkway in the 6MWT.

Walkway lengths for measuring walking speed in stroke rehabilitation

To investigate the effect of walkway length (5, 8 or 10 m) on measurements of comfortable and maximum walking speed. A cross-sectional study. University-based rehabilitation centre. Patients (n = 25) with chronic stroke. Timed walking with different walkway lengths (5, 8 and 10 m) walkways were recorded using a stop-watch. No significant effect of walkway length was found on either the comfortable or maximum walking speed in subjects with chronic stroke. For all walkway lengths, comfortable speed was significantly different from maximum speed (p<0.001). There is no significant effect of walkway length (5, 8 and 10 m) on either comfortable or maximum walking speed. Different walkway lengths can yield consistent results in measuring gait speed clinically. A 5-m walkway with standardized 2-m acceleration and deceleration distances is recommended as it occupies the least space and imposes less stress on subjects.

Walkway Length, But Not Turning Direction, Determines the Six-Minute Walk Test Distance in Individuals With Stroke

Ng SS, Tsang WW, Cheung TH, Chung JS, To FP, Yu PC. Walkway length, but not turning direction, determines the six-minute walk test distance in individuals with stroke. Objectives To examine (1) the effect of different walkway distances, and (2) turning directions on the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in subjects with stroke. Design A cross-sectional study. Setting University-based rehabilitation center. Participants Subjects (N=26) with chronic stroke. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Total distance covered and number of turns in the 6MWT with different walkway lengths (10-, 20-, and 30-m walkway distances) and turning directions (turning to affected side and unaffected side); rate of perceived exertion (RPE) using Borg Scale, and heart rate (HR) using handheld pulse oximeter recorded before and immediately after the test. Results The distance covered and the number of turns in the 6MWT were significantly different between different walkway lengths ( P<.05), with the longest distance covered and lowest number of turns in the 30-m walkway distance. For all walkway lengths, turning to the affected or unaffected side did not result in significant differences in the distance covered and the number of turns in the 6MWT. Significant increases were found between the pretest and posttest for the HR and RPE ( P<.05) in all testing conditions. There was no significant effect of walkway distance and turning direction on the change in HR and RPE between the 6 conditions of the 6MWT. Conclusions Different walkway distances have a significant effect on the distance covered in the 6MWT, whereas turning direction did not significantly affect the distance covered in the 6MWT.

Concurrent validity of a trunk tri-axial accelerometer system for gait analysis in older adults

The aim of this study was (1) to determine the concurrent validity of a trunk tri-axial accelerometer system (DynaPort ®MiniMod) with the GAITRite ® system for spatio-temporal gait parameters at preferred, slow and fast self-selected walking speed that were recorded for averaged and individual step data in an older adult population and (2) to compare the levels of agreement for averaged step data from different walking distances and individual step data. The levels of agreement between the two systems for averaged step data was excellent for walking speed, cadence, step duration and step length (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between 0.99 and 1.00, ratios limits of agreement (RLOA) between 0.7% and 3.3%), moderate for variability of step duration (ICCs between 0.88 and 0.98 and RLOAs between 19% and 34%) and low for variability of step length (ICCs between 0.24 and 0.33 and RLOAs between 73% and 87%). The levels of agreement for individual step duration and step length were moderate with ICCs between 0.81 and 0.89 and with RLOAs between 9% and 13%. Comparing RLOAs from averaged step data across the different walking distances and individual step data, the RLOAs decreased with increased number of steps. The results of this study demonstrate that the DynaPort ®MiniMod system, which allows measurements in real life conditions, is a highly valid tool for assessment of spatio-temporal gait parameters for averaged step data across a walkway length of approximately 20 m in independent living elderly. Gait variability measures and individual step data need to be viewed with caution because of the moderate to low levels of agreement between the two systems.

Walkway Length Determination for Steady State Walking in Young and Older Adults

Walkway Length Determination for Steady State Walking in Young and Older Adults

Walkway Length Determination for Steady State Walking in Young and Older Adults

Walkway Length Determination for Steady State Walking in Young and Older Adults