Gender differences in ankle kinematics of adults during gait

Gender differences in ankle kinematics of adults during gait

The ankle plays an important role in human locomotion, because its range of motion is necessary to balance the body during walking, for both genders. However, little information exists on sex-based variations in ankle joint kinematics of adults during the stance phase of gait. The purpose of this study is to evaluate gender differences in ankle kinematics during the stance phase of gait. One hundred and three participants (53 males and 50 females) were enrolled in the study. Seven retro-reflective targets were applied on the skin of their right foot and seven smartphone cameras were used to capture videos. A self-calibration method, which used a photogrammetric bundle adjustment technique, determined the ankle coordinates. The results showed that females have a significantly greater range of ankle motion than males in the transverse plane throughout the stance phase, and that the maximum mean angle of adduction in the heel strike phase for males is greater than for females. The maximum mean angle of inversion/eversion rotation of the ankle for females and males is closer. The results could contribute to the formulation of the diagnosis, through the observation of clinical conditions, and therefore to the determination of the indications for operative treatments for both genders.

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