Abstract
The typical values of temporal distance factors and ground reaction force patterns of 128 normal adults during level walking are reported.
The distance, temporal and force data from the subjects were normalized to body height, walking cycle and body weight respectably. Moreover, the ground reaction force curves were averaged during each component period of stance phases; two double stance phases and a single stance phase, to establish the typical patterns. By this averaging method, the mean force pattern of both sides during walking cycle, including double stance phase, can be displayed at the same time.
The effects of age were analyzed. It was evident that the walking activity declined rapidly with increased age from 60 years. The older subjects showed slower velocities which resulted from shorter step length and less cadence, whereas the broader step width. It was found that the step length was more significant factor than the cadence in the walking speed. Every duration of the temporal components of walking cycle increased with age. Mainly the increase of the double stance phase period elongated the entire stance phase and diminished the cadence. The form of vertical force of the younger subjects tended to have two higher peaks and a lower valley. The difference between the top of the peaks and the bottom of the valley significantly decreased with age. The amplitude of the fore-aft forces also decreased, however the lateral forces showed consistency among all age groups analyzed. In particular, the two peak values of the fore-aft force; the acceleration and the deceleration component, closely correlate with the step length.
Furthermore, the differences between the two sexes were investigated. Both step length and step width of women were less than those of men. The difference in step length depended on it in body height. Women showed the higher cadence but the slightly slower velocity. The durations of the entire stance phase and the single stance phase of women were shorter. However, the normalized periods against the walking cycle agreed well between the two sexes. Almost all the peaks of the ground reaction forces of women were smaller than that of men.
The present results in normal walking can certainly be used as a common reference for comparison.
