Gait Differences between Adults with and without Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Jayashree  Duraimurugan; Shenbaga Sundaram  Subramanian; Mohamed  Sahal; Diovin Derose  Vianni; Eunice Keren  Singarayar; Fadwa  Alhalaiqa

doi:10.18502/jmr.v20i2.21713

Jayashree Duraimurugan Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India.
Shenbaga Sundaram Subramanian Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India.
Mohamed Sahal Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India.
Diovin Derose Vianni Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India.
Eunice Keren Singarayar Sri Ramakrishna College of Physiotherapy, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Sciences (SRIPMS), Coimbatore, India.
Fadwa Alhalaiqa Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmr.v20i2.21713

Keywords: Biomechanics; Gait analysis; Hip joint; Low back pain; Range of motion; Video recording

Abstract

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a musculoskeletal disorder commonly associated with altered gait patterns; however, little information exists on comparative specific spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with LBP. This gap is addressed in the present study by comparing the mean values of stride length, step length, and stride time, as well as corresponding measures of hip extension and peak knee flexion angle, using Kinovea software (version 0.9.5).

Materials and Methods: This observational study included 200 participants, 100 healthy individuals (group I) and 100 individuals with LBP (group II). The inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select the study participants. All participants underwent a gait analysis using Kinovea software (version 0.9.5), and gait parameters, including stride length, step time, and hip extension, were also measured. Statistical associations between gait parameters and LBP presence were analyzed.

Results: Subjects with LBP showed significant gait alteration with decreased stride length (mean difference [MD] 32.93 cm, P=0.001), decreased step length (18.52 cm, P=0.001), and reduced hip extension (1.88^°, P=0.001) with weak to moderate correlation (r=0.214-0.282). These gait impairments were independent of the body composition.

Conclusion: This study identifies significant changes in gait patterns between patients with and without LBP, as revealed by Kinovea software (version 0.9.5), characterized by shorter step length, longer temporal duration, and lower hip extension magnitude. These results provide quantifiable differences in gait dynamics due to inter-individual differences observed clinically.