Gait on slopes: Differences in temporo-spatial, kinematic and kinetic gait parameters between walking on a ramp and on a treadmill

Background: Inclined treadmills or static ramp constructions can be used to investigate downhill gait in a standardised laboratory condition. There is a lack of information how the gait patterns are affected when walking on a ramp or an inclined treadmill during uphill and downhill walking. Research question: Is there a difference in temporo-spatial parameters, sagittal ankle, knee and hip joint angle as well as ground reaction force when walking uphill and downhill on a ramp and a treadmill. Methods: Uphill and downhill gait of 15 healthy participants was assessed during walking on a treadmill and on a ramp with slope gradients of 12 degrees, 6 degrees and 0 degrees. Participants were instructed to walk with the same speed on each slope-system. Kinematic and temporo-spatial paramters were collected using a 3D motion capture system (Qualisys, Gothenburgh, Sweden), kinetic data were collected using pressure insoles (loadsol (R), Novel, Germany). Temporo-spatial parameters were analysed using a Friedman ANOVA, time series of kinematic and kinetic data were compared using statistical parametric mapping with a sigificance level of 5%. Results: On the treadmill participants walked with significantly shorter steps and shorter contact times, while they significantly increased step frequency compared to walking on a ramp, regardless of slope gradient. In uphill conditions, treadmill gait increased hip and knee flexion angles during the stance phase and increased the forward tilt of the thorax during the entire gait cycle. During downhill walking a significant decrease in dorsiflexion during initial contact, midstance and the second half of the swing phase was observed. Peak resultant forces remained similar compared to walking on the ramp. These alterations might be due to mechanical and psychological effects. Significance: Knowledge about these differences is important in future study design and data interpretation from existing literature.

Automated summary

This study found that walking on a treadmill results in shorter step length and shorter contact time, with increased step frequency compared to walking on a ramp, regardless of slope gradient. Uphill walking on the treadmill increased hip and knee flexion angles, while downhill walking showed a significant decrease in dorsiflexion.