Age- and Gender-related Gait Parameters in Healthy North Indian Population

Abstract Background: Variables of gait have been studied by several authors. Database should account for the differences not only in gender and age but also among people of geographical and cultural diversities. Data generated during gait analysis are usually compared with data from the European or American population, as Indian data are not available. Objective: We aimed to collect and offer data of a gait analysis procedure on the Indian population. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 subjects were enrolled in this study, of which 146 (48.7%) were male and 154 (51.3%) were female. Subjects were enrolled in groups of 10–19 years (50 subjects), 20–29 years (55 subjects), 30–39 years (53 subjects), 40–49 years (47 subjects), 50–59 years (45 subjects) and finally >60 years (50 subjects). Gait kinematics and kinetics data were recorded from the BTS SMART-DX-6000 movement analysis system (BTS Bioengineering, Garbagnate Milanese MI, Italy), with six wall-mounted infrared cameras (2.2 MP, 340 fps), two force platforms (BTS P-6000) and two digital video cameras (0.3 MP, 25 fps). The Helen Hayes marker protocol and gait model processing were applied. Results: This study revealed the mean values of gait parameters and their differences among different age groups and gender of Indian populations. Such differences among groups can be attributed to different stature, physical capabilities, training, confidence and experience. Conclusion: This study provides such normative data of gait parameters for normal population in different age groups and gender for the Indian population, which can be used as reference values for future studies on the Indian population.