Selected Spatiotemporal and Joint Angle Parameters in Normal Gait and Nordic Walking with Classical and Mechatronic Poles in Aspects of Sex Differences

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this study was to compare selected spatiotemporal parameters and changes in the range of motion in the joints of lower and upper limbs during normal gait and during Nordic walking performed with classical and mechatronic poles of females and males. Methods. The study involved 19 physical education students (11 males and 8 females). The MyoMotion research motion analysis system was used to collect gait kinematic variables. The subject task was to cover a 100 m distance in a straight line with three types of gait: gait without poles, gait with classical poles, and gait with mechatronic poles at preferred velocity. Parameters were measured both on the right (RT) and on the left side (LT) of the body. The data was analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA with the between-subject factor “sex.” Friedman’s test was used when necessary. Results. The most significant differences in spatiotemporal parameters between males and females were revealed in gait with the classical and mechatronic pole (stance phase LT and RT, load response LT and RT, single support LT and RT, preswing LT and RT, swing phase LT and RT, double stance LT and RT, and step length LT), the least in gait without a pole (stance phase RT, load response LT, single support LT, preswing RT, and swing phase RT); whereas, the most significant differences in kinematic parameters were revealed in gait without poles (shoulder rotation RT, wrist radial-ulnar LT, hip flexion-extension LT and RT, knee flexion-extension LT and RT, ankle inversion-eversion LT, and ankle abduction-adduction LT and RT), the least in gait with mechatronic poles (knee flexion-extension LT and RT, ankle dorsiflexion-plantarflexion LT, ankle inversion-eversion LT, and ankle abduction-adduction LT and RT). Conclusion. Statistical analysis revealed many differences in spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters in normal gait, as well as in gait with the classical and mechatronic poles, which allows the conclusion that the gait of females and males should be analyzed separately.

Comparative Analysis of Gait Kinematics in Older Adults: Free Walking vs. Nordic Walking with Classic and Mechatronic Poles

“…Secondly, we asked all participants to wear comfortable clothing and shoes during the testing session to minimise any additional effects on their gait pattern. Finally, we acknowledge that previous studies [30,31] and our own studies [32,33] have shown that the presence of IMU sensors does not interfere with natural movement nor alter gait patterns, and any differences in joint angle measurement can be attributed to the variability in the anatomical models used for calculations. The MyoMOTION MR3 sensors used in our study are small, lightweight, and wireless and are attached directly to the body and poles.…”

Flexibility and Strength Effects of Adapted Nordic Walking and Myofascial Exercises Practice in Breast Cancer Survivors and Analysis of Differences

“…Probably, the warm-up and cool down exercises of the adapted NW also played an important role in determining the observed results, as they can stimulate the myofascial meridians with degrees of movement very similar to those reached during the adapted ME, probably closing the flexibility gap between the disciplines. In fact, in women, the average ranges of motion for the shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles during NW practice are approximately a mean value of 13 • (flexion-extension), 54 • (flexion-extension), 72 • (flexion-extension), and 54 • (dorsi-plantarflexion), respectively [44], whereas in adapted ME practice, the amplitude of the movements increases gradually until it reaches the physiological limits of the mentioned joints (but not only) through multi-joint movements involving the lines listed in Table 1. However, both adapted NW and ME included movements stimulating sensory refinement, slow-motion stretch, and elastic recoil in a fascial-oriented direction [45].…”

Walking Toward Better Health: The Influence of Nordic Walking Training on Gait and Exercise Tolerance in Ischemic Heart Disease Patients

“…1). IMU sensors enabled data recording and comprehensive analysis with a sampling frequency of 200Hz 22 . The subject's task was to cover a 100-meter distance with three types of walking -walking without sticks, walking with classic NW sticks, and walking with mechatronic sticks.…”