Our purpose was to analyze the effects of selected levels of body weight support (BWS) on lower extremity kinematics of normal subjects at a predetermined treadmill speed. Seventeen non-disabled volunteers walked on a treadmill at 1.25 ms(-1). Temporospatial and kinematic data were collected while various support levels were applied (Minimal, 10, 30, 50 and 70% BWS). Compared to 10% BWS, significant temporospatial and kinematic changes were induced by 50 and 70% BWS. Fewer differences were induced by 30% BWS compared to 10% BWS. We concluded that gait patterns of unimpaired subjects are significantly changed by 50 and 70% BWS.
Adult Ankle