Study of the time factor during one cycle of the gait on the slope

Abstract

Time factors of walking on level ground and slopes of 3, 6, 9 and 12 degrees were studied in eight normal adult men using foot switches. The greater the inclination of the slope, the less the cadence became. On the same slope, the downslope cadence was greater than the upslope cadence. The stance phase was longer when walking upslope (6, 9 and 12 degrees) and downslope (6 and 9 degrees) than when walking level. The double stance phase was longer when walking upslope (6, 9 and 12 degrees) than when walking level. Mid-stance was longer when walking upslope (3, 6, 9 and 12 degrees) and downslope (6, 9 and 12 degrees) than when walking level. The prolongation of the stance phase, double stance phase and midstance in slope walking compared with level walking was considered to be due to the instability of the center of gravity of the body and of the talo-crural and subtalar joints during slope walking. The time factors in normal adult slope walking is considered to be similar to those of children who have not yet acquired the adult walking pattern.