Effects of Real-time Feedback During Decline Walking on Kinematic and Kinetic Gait Parameters in a Healthy Population

Control of the dynamic functional leg alignment (dFLA) and biomechanical load are important joint related aspects regarding the development of osteoarthritis (OA). Research on level walking with feedback on load related parameters provided innovative treatment possibilities. Concerning walking on sloped surfaces, fundamental biomechanical knowledge exists. However, deeper insights into the control of the dFLA during decline walking, and the usefulness of real-time feedback are missing.

This study is set up as cross-sectional observation of gait under four conditions, which follows a randomized sequence in order to avoid carry over effects. Thirty (30) participants aged between 18 and 35 years will be included. They will complete a three-dimensional gait analysis on a 5-m ramp with 10° inclination. Afterwards they will be observed under four different conditions a) self-paced walking b) self-paced walking with internal focus of attention, c) self-paced walking with real-time feedback, and d) condition c speed-matched walking, on a 10° declined split belt treadmill. The primary outcome parameter will be the frontal knee range of motion (fKROM). Secondary outcomes include the ground reaction force loading rate, spatial-temporal parameters, sagittal frontal and transversal kinematics, and kinetics for the lower extremities.

The findings should improve the understanding of effects of real-time feedback on the control of the dFLA and lower limb loading. Results will be published in a peer-review journal.