Indirect Estimation Of The Step Length Of Walking And Running Performances On The Treadmill

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cadence and step length are important biomechanical variables of walking and running but they are not typically monitored by the treadmills. This study explains a novel non-invasive method to estimate the step length of walking and running to maximize the professional skills and scientific capabilities of Physiotherapists and Exercise professionals. Methodology: Seventeen individuals (10 men and 7 women) who have been undergoing supervised fitness training programs were selected for the biomechanical analysis of the relationship between cadence and step length of walking and running on the treadmill in the speeds ranging from 5 Km/h to 15 Km/h for men and 5 Km/h to 12 Km/h for women. Results: Exercisers displayed wide range of step length strategies to manage the walking and running speeds opted for the experiment. Additionally, when the same exercisers were allowed to exhibit their maximum running speed in the outdoor environment, a statistically significant difference was found because all of them faced psychological constraints to explore or sustain their fastest running ability on the treadmill. Conclusion: Assessment of cadence and step lengths of the patients and exercisers looks indispensable. Visual counting method to calculate the cadence can be easily acquired through practice, usually accompanied by the development of the skill to compute the step lengths using mathematical formulae. The same method can be used to ascertain if the individuals are adapting symmetrical or asymmetrical step lengths by just separately counting the number of steps produced by each lower extremity for a specific time length (30 seconds or 60 seconds). Experts should continue exploring such feasible, non-invasive and inexpensive diagnostic procedures.