Trajectory and asymmetry of lower limb joint moments during normal and blindfolded gait

Abstract

[Purpose] This study examined gait asymmetry through analyzing gait trajectories and asymmetry of the lower limb moment of the frontal plane in normal and blindfolded gaits. [Participants and Methods] A three-dimensional motion analyzer and force plates were used to determine the thoracic lateral deviation and asymmetrical ratios of the upper and lower thoracic shapes in the standing position of 20 healthy adult men. The progression angle pelvic and thoracic rotation angles; and asymmetry of the hip, knee, and ankle moments in the frontal plane in full- and no-vision gaits were measured. [Results] The thorax deviated to the left relative to the pelvis, and the upper and lower thoracic shapes were asymmetric. The no-vision gait trajectory exhibited a significantly deviated to the left, and the pelvis and thorax were significantly rotated to the left compared with those of the full-vision gait. Asymmetry of the knee moment at the mid-stance and the ankle moment at the loading response were significantly lower under no-vision gait than during full-vision gait. [Conclusion] The proprioceptive trunk information was unbalanced in able-bodied participants. Imbalances in proprioceptive information may cause asymmetric motion of the knee and ankle during gait.