COMPARISON OF WALK RATIO, STEP LENGTH, AND CADENCE BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS WITH FEMORACEBULAR IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME AND HEALTHY CONTROLS.

Authors

Lian Cook, The University of AlabamaFollow
Israel Ikechukwu Adandom, The University of AlabamaFollow
Cristal J. Benitez, The University of AlabamaFollow
Kayli J. Lucas, The University of AlabamaFollow
Naif Alrashdi, University of Alabama at BirminghamFollow
Amit Momaya, University of Alabama at BirminghamFollow
Benton Emblom, Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic CenterFollow
Michael Ryan, Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic CenterFollow
Matthew Ithurburn, University of Alabama at BirminghamFollow
Elroy J. Aguiar, The University of AlabamaFollow

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Femoracebular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS) involves hip-joint abnormalities (cam-type, pincer-type, or mixed-type) and intra-articular injuries, resulting in distinct spatiotemporal parameter differences compared to healthy individuals. Specifically, analyzing the walk ratio (step length/cadence) can reveal gait mechanics affected by hip-related pain. METHODS: We enrolled 25 individuals with FAIS (age=31.0±9.2 years, 60% female, BMI=26.1±4.7 kg/m²) and 14 healthy controls (age=28.1±9.1 years, 64% female, BMI=26.3±3.4 kg/m²). Spatiotemporal gait parameters, including walk ratio, step length, and cadence, were collected using an electronic gait mat (GAITRite; Franklin, NJ). Participants completed walking trials at self-selected preferred and fast paces (2 trials each). Independent samples t-tests assessed differences in walk ratio, cadence, and step length between FAIS and healthy controls, with Cohen’s d effect sizes interpreted as small=0.2, medium=0.5, and large=0.8. RESULTS: At the preferred walking pace, the FAIS group had a higher walk ratio compared to controls (0.68±0.09 vs. 0.62±0.07 cm/steps/min; p=0.04, d=0.7). At a fast-walking pace, while there were no differences in walk ratio between groups (0.67±0.1 vs. 0.61±0.07; p=0.10), a medium effect size was evident (d=0.6). Examining the components of the walk ratio separately, no differences in cadence were found between groups at preferred (113.63±18.37 vs. 124.78±15.47 steps/min, p=0.08) and fast paces (131.23±17.49 vs. 138.78±6.88 steps/min, p=0.24). However, small-to-medium effect sizes were observed (d=0.6 and 0.4, respectively). Similarly, there were no differences in step length between groups at preferred (76.32±11.93 vs. 76.92±9.86 cm, p=0.88) or fast paces (86.53±10.93 vs. 84.45±10.24, p=0.594), resulting in negligible-to-small effect sizes (d=0.05 and 0.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight compensatory mechanical and behavioral differences in walk ratio, especially cadence, attributable to hip-related pain. These results can guide future studies on spatiotemporal gait parameters in FAIS and support walk ratio as a marker of improved gait function after clinical intervention.

Recommended Citation

Cook, Lian; Adandom, Israel Ikechukwu; Benitez, Cristal J.; Lucas, Kayli J.; Alrashdi, Naif; Momaya, Amit; Emblom, Benton; Ryan, Michael; Ithurburn, Matthew; and Aguiar, Elroy J. (2024) "COMPARISON OF WALK RATIO, STEP LENGTH, AND CADENCE BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS WITH FEMORACEBULAR IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME AND HEALTHY CONTROLS.," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 16: Iss. 3, Article 368.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol16/iss3/368