Gait and neuromuscular learning effects through the use of a gait monitoring system

Abstract

The repetitive nature of walking can lead to joint stress and associated complications due to the rate of loading (ROL) experienced with each step. Previous research suggests that an individual's gait kinematics at initial contact gives rise to the ROL, and a repetitive, high ROL may lead to several disorders, including osteoarthritis. In this study, we investigated the short-term learning effects of using a gait monitoring system to change an individual's gait pattern and reduce the ROL. Twelve healthy women participated in the study, and we analyzed the gait characteristics pre- and post-training with the gait monitoring system. Subjects also underwent a pre-post assessment to explore the short-term changes in proprioceptive acuity that resulted from this type of training. Our results indicate that using a gait monitoring system can effectively change the gait kinematics, leading to a reduced ROL experienced, and can increase proprioceptive acuity. These findings suggest that a gait monitoring system has the potential to decrease the risk of certain joint degenerative diseases, and future long-term studies are needed to explore the gait adaptations that occur through this type of training.