Article

Previous work comparing treadmill and overground walking has focused on lower
extremity motion and kinetics, with few identified differences. However, a
comparison of multi-segment foot kinematics between these conditions has not been
previously reported. Sagittal ankle motion using a single rigid body foot model
and three-dimensional hindfoot and forefoot kinematics were compared during
barefoot, level, overground walking at a self-selected speed and treadmill
walking at a similar speed for 20 healthy adults. Slight differences were seen in
ankle plantarflexion and hindfoot plantarflexion during first rocker, as well as
peak forefoot eversion and abduction, however all changes were less than 3
degrees , and most were within the day-to-day repeatability. These results
indicate that foot mechanics as determined using a multi-segment foot model were
similar between overground and treadmill walking at similar speeds in healthy
adults. Treadmill protocols may provide a controlled method to analyze a
patient's ability to adapt to walking at different speeds and surface slopes,
which are encountered often during ambulation of daily living.
CI - Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS