ABSTRACT
Assessment of spatiotemporal gait parameters provides objective data for the study of gait. On the other hand, the study of gait variability may be more sensitive in quantifying changes in the motor control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in variability of spatiotemporal gait parameters. Kinematic data were recorded using 3D motion cameras, from participants walking along a 10-meter walkway at a self-preferred walking speed. Two groups (patients with medial knee osteoarthritis; healthy young adults) of gender-matched participants were recruited. Mean values and coefficient of variation for spatiotemporal parameters were calculated. Several statistical differences were found in gait parameters between groups. However, when the coefficient of variability between groups was compared, no statistically significant differences were found, except for the left stance time. Although there were several significant differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters, the assessment of variability did not reflected changes in motor control on gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
