Gait variability during load carriage in simulated leg length discrepancy

The study aimed to asssess the effect of simulated leg length discrepancy (LLD) to the gait variability. A total of 10 normal subjects walked at self-selected normal walking pace with simulated LLD of 0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 cm on 3m walkway with embeded force plates. The simulated LLD were applied on the left leg in a randomly selected order. Additionally, the subjects performed walking with and without additional 2 kg of carrying backpacks load. The Centre of Pressure (CoP) was computed using the ground reaction forces and moment collected from the two force plates. The standard deviation of anterior-posterior and medial-lateral COP displacement was used to determine the gait variability. In conclusion, changes on the LLD height led to an increases of gait variability which indirectly affect a person’s stability during walking.