Comparing Lower Limb Kinematics in Healthy Individuals: Walking on Real Sloped Surfaces vs. Level Walking

This study aimed to investigate kinematic parameters of lower limb joints during gait on inclined surfaces compared to level ground.
In this cross-sectional study, 15 healthy individuals walked at their self-selected speed on level ground with a zero slope and on two inclined surfaces. These surfaces were constructed to mimic real environments with slopes of +8 (uphill) and -8 (downhill) along an eight-meter distance. The measured variables included the angles of the ankle, knee, and hip joints sagittal plane during different phases of gait, captured through a three-dimensional motion capture system.
Significant differences were observed in uphill walking compared to level-ground walking, including an increase in ankle, hip, and knee angles at initial contact, maximum ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, maximum knee flexion in the stance phase, and maximum knee extension in the swing phase. There was also a reduction in the maximum extension of the hip joint (P<0.05). In downhill walking compared to level ground, significant differences were observed in the increase of ankle and knee angles at initial contact, maximum ankle dorsiflexion, maximum knee flexion in both stance and swing phases, and a decrease in the maximum angle of hip extension. However, no significant difference was observed in the hip joint angle at initial contact maximum ankle plantarflexion, maximum knee extension in swing phase between level and downhill surfaces and at maximum knee flexion in swing phase between uphill and level surfaces (P>0.05).
Walking on inclined surfaces influences the flexion and extension angles of lower limb joints during different phases of gait, necessitating increased joint movement. These alterations are more pronounced during uphill walking than downhill, especially at the initial contact point.