Article

The objective of this study was to introduce and evaluate a new methodology to
quantify lower extremity movement symmetry using data from the stance phase in
over-ground running. Seventeen subjects completed five heel-toe over-ground
running trials per leg over a force platform at 3.33+/-0.5ms(-1) with
retro-reflective markers on both legs and the pelvis. Thirty kinetic and
kinematic variables were collected and 12 were chosen as important variables for
calculating symmetry based on low variance of the data and their functional
relevance with respect to symmetry. The developed formula uses the integral of
the absolute value of the difference between the left and right leg during the
stance phase. The results were divided into a sagittal, transverse, and frontal
index, as well as a global index for all three planes of motion. This enabled
analyses from both general and categorical perspectives, whereby individuals
could be identified as symmetrical in one plane and asymmetrical in the other.
The new methodology allows for the evaluation of symmetry over the entire stance
phase and accounts for time lags between left and right legs.
To learn more about
symmetry during particular movements, future research should include larger
cohorts, use consecutive force platforms, examine the flight phase of running and
include subjects that are known to have asymmetrical gait.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Langue : ANGLAIS