Sex difference in the pattern of lower limb movement during treadmill walking.
To evaluate the characteristics of stereo-typed movement of the lower limb during treadmill walking, the step length and duration of 200 steps were monitored consecutively and calculated by means of a computerized system, consisting of a position sensor, shoes with foot switches and a minicomputer. Eleven male and 10 female subjects walked at various constant speeds ranging from 60-130 m.min-1. Mean, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of the time-distance component at each speed were utilized for the assessment of stereotyped movement. When compared with males, females had a tendency to increase their speed by increasing their cadence. The difference of the walking pattern was specifically related to their height. The SD and CV of the time-distance component at a given speed were significantly greater in females than in males. Regression analyses revealed that in the relationship between the walking speeds and the SDs or CVs of the time-distance component, the significant quadratic equations could be fitted. The speed, at which the SD of step length was minimum, was estimated to be about 90 m.min-1 in both males and females. This was regarded as the free walking speed or as the walking speed resulting from a mechanically efficient step length which suited the subject's body size.
Yamasaki
M
M
Department of Health and Physical Education, Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Japan.
Sasaki
T
T
Torii
M
M
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D016138:Walking