Reduced joint motion supersedes asymmetry in explaining increased metabolic demand during walking with mechanical restriction.

ABSTRACT: Recent research has highlighted the complex interactions among chronic injury- or disease-induced joint limitations, walking asymmetry, and increased metabolic cost. Determining the specific metabolic impacts of asymmetry or joint impairment in clinical populations is difficult because of concurrent neurological and physiological changes. This work investigates the metabolic impact of gait asymmetry and joint restriction by unilaterally (asymmetric) and bilaterally (symmetric) restricting ankle, knee, and combined ankle and knee ranges of motion in unimpaired individuals. We calculated propulsive asymmetry, temporal asymmetry, and step-length asymmetry for an average gait cycle; metabolic rate; average positive center of mass power using the individual limbs method; and muscle effort using

SUBMITTER: McCain EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8453100 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature