Comparison of the effects on gait with crutches against nordic poles

Abstract

This study aims to compare the effects of walking with crutches versus Nordic poles on gait characteristics. Pre-recorded gait motion datasets of a patient walking unassisted, with crutches, and with Nordic poles were analysed to determine the kinematic, kinetic, and spatiotemporal characteristics with each walking aid compared to the normal gait cycle. Using the Motion Kinematic & Kinetic Analyzer (MOKKA) software, C3D files were visualized, and gait cycle data was extracted. MATLAB was employed for data processing, plotting, and statistical analyses of spatiotemporal parameters. Ground reaction forces, joint angles, and joint trajectories were plotted over the gait cycle for each walking aid. The results indicated systematic asymmetry in the stance and swing characteristics of the lower limbs, regardless of the walking aid used. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences (p=1) in the Stance and Swing Phases between the unassisted, crutches, and Nordic groups. Moreover, no significant differences were found between the left and right legs within each group. However, the one-way ANOVA analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the groups (Unassisted, Nordic, and Crutches) for cadence values (p < 0.05). This suggests that at least one of the groups (unassisted) has a different mean cadence compared to the others. The study underscores the importance of standardised and quality-assured approaches to system calibration, gait data capturing, processing, and analysis. It highlights the need for larger sample sizes, accurate gait analysis capturing, and more thorough data processing techniques and statistical analysis to draw robust conclusions. In conclusion, this research contributes to the understanding of gait analysis and emphasizes the necessity for standardised protocols to ensure accuracy and reliability of results. Further studies with enhanced methodological rigor are warranted to provide more conclusive findings.