Article

The objective of this study was to demonstrate specific differences in gait
patterns between those with and without a visual impairment. We performed a
biomechanical analysis of the gait pattern of young adults
(27 +/- 13 years old)
with a visual impairment (n=10) in an uncluttered environment and compared it to
the gait pattern of age matched controls (n=20). Normally sighted adults were
tested in a full vision and no vision condition. Differences are found in gait
between both groups and both situations. Adults with a visual impairment walked
with a shorter stride length (1.14 +/- 0.21m), less trunk flexion (4.55 +/- 5.14
degrees ) and an earlier plantar foot contact at heel strike (1.83 +/- 3.49
degrees ) than sighted individuals (1.39 +/- 0.08 m; 11.07 +/- 4.01 degrees ;
5.10 +/- 3.53 degrees ). When sighted individuals were blindfolded (no vision
condition) they showed similar gait adaptations as well as a slower walking speed
(0.84 +/- 0.28 ms(-1)), a lower cadence (96.88 +/- 13.71 steps min(-1)) and
limited movements of the hip (38.24 +/- 6.27 degrees ) and the ankle in the
saggital plane (-5.60 +/- 5.07 degrees ) compared to a full vision condition
(1.27 +/- 0.13 ms(-1); 110.55 +/- 7.09 steps min(-1); 45.32 +/- 4.57 degrees ;
-16.51 +/- .59 degrees ). Results showed that even in an uncluttered environment
vision is important for locomotion control. The differences between those with
and without a visual impairment, and between the full vision and no vision
conditions, may reflect a more cautious walking strategy and adaptive changes
employed to use the foot to probe the ground for haptic exploration.
CI - Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS