Reference values of gait parameters in healthy Chinese university students: A cross-sectional observational study

BACKGROUND: Gait is influenced by race, age, and diseases type. Reference values for gait are closely related to numerous health outcomes. To gain a comprehensive understanding of gait patterns, particularly in relation to race-related pathologies and disorders, it is crucial to establish reference values for gait in daily life considering sex and age. Therefore, our objective was to present sex and age-based reference values for gait in daily life, providing a valuable foundation for further research and clinical applications. AIM: To establish reference values for lower extremity joint kinematics and kinetics during gait in asymptomatic adult women and men. METHODS: Spatiotemporal, kinematics and kinetics parameters were measured in 171 healthy adults (70 males and 101 females) using the computer-aided soft tissue foot model. Full curve statistical parametric mapping was performed using independent and paired-samples t-tests. RESULTS: Compared with females, males required more time (cycle time, double-limb support time, stance time, swing time, and stride time), and the differences were statistically significant. In addition, the step and stride lengths of males were longer. Compared to males, female cadence was faster, and statures-per-second and stride-per-minute were higher. There were no statistical differences in speed and stride width between the two groups. After adjusting for height, it was observed that women walked significantly faster than men, and they also had a higher cadence. However, in terms of step length, stride length, and stride width, both genders exhibited similarities. CONCLUSION: We established reference values for gait speed and spatiotemporal gait parameters in Chinese university students. This contributes to a valuable database for gait assessment and evaluation of preventive or rehabilitative programs.