Asymmetries in ground reaction force patterns in normal human gait

Abstract

It variables using a force platform. Sixty-two subjects performed ten gait trials each, stepping on the force platform five times with each leg. From these gait trials a symmetry index was calculated for 34 gait variables. The upper and lower limits of normal gait were calculated such that 95% of all symmetry indices obtained from this subject population fell within these limits. Upper and lower limits were found to vary from ±4% to over ±13,000%. Extremely high percentages were found for variables which had absolute magnitudes close to zero and/or variables which occurred at distinctly different instants during the gait cycle. The results of these variables need to be interpreted with caution. ©1989The American College of Sports Medicine...