Effects of sex and walking speed on the dynamic stiffness of lower limb joints

Fast walking may require a non-uniform change of dynamic stiffness among lower limb joints to deal with this daily task’s demands. The change of dynamic joint stiffness may be distinct between females and males. This study aimed to test for differences in dynamic stiffness among lower limb joints in response to increased walking speed in males and females. Thirty-five participants walked in two randomized conditions: self-selected speed and fast speed (25% greater than the self-selected speed). Dynamic stiffnesses of the ankle, knee, and hip were calculated as the linear slope of the moment–angle curve’s regression line during their major power absorption phase of the walking cycle. The comparison between conditions showed that the knee (p