Article

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of
acceleration-based gait analysis to differentiate between normal gait and
different simulated functional knee limitations of increasing severity. DESIGN:
Gait of 48 healthy subjects was measured under four different walking conditions.
Gait parameters (e.g., speed and asymmetry) were derived from trunk
accelerations. Subjects walked a 20-m distance under four conditions: normal,
simulated limited knee extension, simulated limited knee flexion, and simulated
arthrodesis. The functional knee limitations were simulated using an adjustable
knee brace on the right leg. RESULTS: Acceleration-based gait analysis detected
acute gait changes (i.e., speed, step length, step duration, cadence, vertical
displacement, asymmetry, and irregularity) during the simulated functional knee
limitations with high repeatability. The degree of change depended on the
severity of the limitation, with the more severe limitations producing bigger
changes in gait and the relative changes comparing well with literature values
measured with laboratory-based motion analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Acceleration-based
gait analysis is sensitive for different walking conditions. The easy and fast
use, the production of objective gait characteristics, and the ability to
differentiate functional knee limitations suggest its suitability for clinical rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS