Comparison of Treadmill-Based and Overground Gait Analysis

Abstract

This preliminary study was designed to assess the feasibility of gait analysis on a treadmill allowing multiple steps recording at a constant velocity, based on a comparative analysis between treadmill and overground gait. The measurements were realized using Zebris measuring system CMS-HS and a commercially available Hammer Walkrunner Pro Treadmill. One young volunteer (male, 24 years old) with mild instability of left ankle was involved in the study. To evaluate the spatio-temporal and kinematical parameters, the investigated subject performed gait with self-selected velocity both on the treadmill and overground. The main spatio-temporal parameters which have been analyzed are stance and swing phase, stride time, cadence, and velocity. The studied kinematical parameters were the flexion-extension angles of the hip and knee joint, and dorsi- plantar flexion angles of the ankle joint. The comparison of the kinematic parameters was focused on the left limb joints. The walking disorder of the patient has influenced both the kinematic parameters and gait symmetry.