Bıyıklı T., Açar G., Üzümcü B.
KOSALB International Journal of Human Movements Science, cilt.3, sa.2, ss.54-60, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)
Özet
Study aim(s):This study aimedto examine the relationship between dynamic balance and gait parameters, focusingongenderdifferences. Specifically, it sought to determine the presence ofasymmetry between the right and left side in dynamic balance control amonghealthy individuals,as well as to explorethe influenceof age, gender,and anthropometric characteristics on dynamic stability. Additionally, the study examined the relationship betweendynamic balance andspatial-temporal gait parameters. Methods:The study population consisted of66 volunteers (33 female,33 maleparticipants), allleadingsedentary lifestyle. The averageage of the female participants was 30.58±6.275 years, while that ofthe male participants was 30.39±4.899 years. Participants first completeda sociodemographic form. Following this, a static balance testwas performedusingthe D-Wall apparatus in a bipedal stance, bothwith eyes open and closed. The testwas conductedthree times, with the mean value recorded.Afterward,participantsrestedpassively for five minutes beforethe commencement of the gait analysis. In the initial phaseof the investigation,a walking analysis was conducted barefootat a velocity of 4.0 km/h (SCX version) on the Walker View device. During a one-minute trial at this speed, thefollowing variables were recordedfor one minute at 4.0 km/h: lower extremity trunk, hip,and knee flexion rangeof motion;stride lengths, cadence,and contact times. Thecollecteddata were then analyzedusingan independent t-test.Results: Themean body mass index (BMI) was 21.77±1.071 kg/m²for women and 24.08±2.246 kg/m²for men. A significant difference was identified in the trunk flexion range of motion (ROM),favoringmen,andineyes-openstaticbipedal balance, favoring women(p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the remaining parameters (p > 0.05).Conclusion:The results demonstrated significant discrepancies between male and female participantsintrunk flexion ROM,where men outperformedwomen,and in eyes-open static balance, where women outperformed men.These findings indicate that gender is an important factor to considerin dynamic balance and gait assessments.Keywords:Gender, Gait, Joint Kinematics, Balanc