Abstract
The objective of this study was to clarify the control of gait in stepping over different obstacles through quantitative analysis of toe clearance. The subjects were 22 young women, and on level ground and with obstacles raised 0, 1.5 and 18.3 cm from level ground, toe clearance, leg joint angles, stride length and gait velocity were measured. Using a video camera, an easy and convenient method, high precision measurement analysis was possible and satisfactory reproducibility was achieved. A significant difference was seen in toe clearance between level ground (34.5 mm) and the 0 cm obstacle (43.5 mm), and a significant difference in coefficients of variation between level ground (6.1%) and the 0 cm obstacle (9.6%) was also seen. For the 0 cm obstacle, through consciousness of stride, a high level of voluntary control was taking place. Toe clearance showed changes in response to the height of the obstacles, and changes were also seen in leg joint angles, stride length and gait velocity. Also, a difference was seen in right and left leg joint angles, suggesting the influence of differences in lower limb function between the dominant leg and the axopodium. From the above results, it is clear that in stepping over obstacles, complex control of the toe clearance takes place.
