Dynamic joint stiffness of the ankle during walking: Gender-related differences

• Published in: Physical therapy in sport Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 16 - 24
• Main Authors: Gabriel, Ronaldo C, Abrantes, João, Granata, Kevin, Bulas-Cruz, José, Melo-Pinto, Pedro, Filipe, Vitor
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2008; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Ankle; Ankle Joint - physiopathology; Biomechanical Phenomena; Biomechanics; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethics; Female; Humans; Injuries; Joint Instability - physiopathology; Joint stability; Locomotion; Male; Pain; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Physical therapy; Sports Medicine; Studies; Walking - physiology; Young Adult; Biomechanics; Ankle; Locomotion; Joint stability
• ISSN: 1466-853X; 1873-1600
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2007.08.002

Abstract Objectives To characterize and compare dynamic joint stiffness (DJS) of the ankle in the sagittal plane during natural cadence walking in both genders. Design Observation, cross-sectional and matched pairs. Participants Twenty-one males (mean age=27±4.2 years) and 18 females (mean age=22.9±4.1 years). Setting Laboratory at the University de Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro. The DJS of the ankle was assessed while participants performed barefoot walking at a natural cadence, was measured using a force platform (1000 Hz), and synchronized with a high-speed camera (200 Hz). Main outcome measures DJS of the ankle in males and females was calculated in two sub-phases (the second and the fourth sub-phases) of the stance phase. The Wilcoxon non-parametric matched-pairs test and the Mann–Whitney U non-parametric test were used to analyse difference of DJS of the ankle within and between the groups with p ⩽0.05 regarded as significant. Results Male and female participants demonstrated significantly ( p <0.005) less DJS during the second sub-phase. DJS was not significantly ( p >0.063) different between females (0.0511 N m/kg/°) and males (0.0596 N m/kg/°) during the second sub-phase. DJS was significantly ( p <0.001) higher in males (0.0844 N m/kg/°) than females (0.0691 N m/kg/°) during the fourth sub-phase. Conclusions Gender-specific DJS characteristics demonstrated by females in this study may be used in preventative training programs designed to promote a greater ability to use contractile components to produce mechanical energy through the ankle.