Comparisons of Spatiotemporal and Ground Reaction Force Components of Gait Between Individuals with Congenital Vision Loss and Sighted Individuals

Abstract

Introduction: The understanding of abnormalities in biomechanical parameters of gait in individuals with vision loss (i.e., blindness or low vision) has clinical importance. The aims of this study were to compare the spatiotemporal and ground reaction force variables of sighted individuals with those with vision loss. Methods: Ten sighted males and 10 young males with congenital vision loss were recruited. A Vicon motion analysis system with four cameras and two Kistler force plates was used to quantify spatiotemporal and ground reaction force components of both groups during walking without shoes. Sighted individuals walked in eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Results: Results showed that the stride and step length, walking speed, the vertical and posterior–anterior reaction forces in heel contact and push-off phase, and the impulse of the control group during walking with the open- and closed-eyes conditions were significantly smaller than those in persons with vision loss ( p < .05). Discussion: Vision loss is associated with decreased step and stride length, slower walking, and smaller propulsive reaction force. These kinematic and kinetics alterations suggest an adaptation to a new neuromuscular response for dynamic postural control as a result of lack of vision. These alterations in the long term may result in rigidity and muscle weakness. Implications for practitioners: A rehabilitation program to enhance mobility and strength is suggested for individuals with vision loss.

The spatiotemporal gait parameters among people with visual impairment: A literature review study

“…[ 5 , 6 , 10 , 11 , 16 ] The decrease in this parameter was reported in studies and was significant. For blind and visually impaired individuals, the stride length range was 0.83–1.42 m, whereas the stride lengths of normal-vision people were 1.32–1.57 m.[ 5 , 6 , 10 , 11 , 16 ]…”

“…[ 3 ] Among the six studies, all examined the walking speed, and five studies showed a significant reduction in the speed of blind and low-vision people compared to the control group. [ 5 , 6 , 10 , 11 , 15 , 16 ] For normal-vision people, the walking speed range was 0.45–1.50 m/s, whereas the speed of blind and low-vision people was 0.26–1.11 m/s. [ 5 , 6 , 10 , 15 , 16 ]…”

“…[ 5 , 6 , 10 , 11 , 15 , 16 ] For normal-vision people, the walking speed range was 0.45–1.50 m/s, whereas the speed of blind and low-vision people was 0.26–1.11 m/s. [ 5 , 6 , 10 , 15 , 16 ]…”

“…In addition, spatial gait parameters include step length (m), velocity (m/s), stride length (m), and step width (m). [ 5 , 6 ]…”

“…[ 5 , 9 ] The studies show that gait in visually impaired people is different from healthy sighted people. [ 6 , 10 ] Nakamura reported a gait analysis of visually impaired persons showing generally slower walking speed, shorter stride length, and longer stance time. [ 10 ] In 2010, Hallemans et al .…”