Kinematics of the Lower Extremity in Walking among Individuals with Hyperlordosis Waistline Malformation

Abstract

Introduction: Walking, as a continuous muscular activity, has a grave effect on formation of individuals' body configuration. The body configuration can also affect the individuals' walking. The purpose of this study was to compare the kinematic characteristics of the lower extremity in walking among individuals with hyperlordosis lumbar malformation with that of healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-comparative study was conducted on 38 female students. The subjects were selected through purposive and convenience sampling and were divided into two groups of healthy and hyperlordosis. Lumbar lordosis angle was measured using a flexible ruler and data on the subjects’ walking was obtained using a three-dimensional epto electric system with six cameras. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and ANCOVA at the significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: Angular relocation and angular velocity of the hip and ankle, and knee joint valgus angle in stance phase of walking in individuals with lumbar hyperlordosis showed a significant increase compared to healthy individuals. However, no change was observed in the angular relocation and angular velocity of the knee joint at the stance phase of walking. Conclusion: Lumbar lordosis abnormality in the sagittal plane causes change in the motion range of talus and hip joints. This abnormality in the frontal plane causes change in valgus angle of the knee.

Keywords

• Angular relocation
• Angular velocity
• Walking
• Waistline hyperlordosis