Dynamic joint stiffness of the ankle during walking: Gender-related differences

Abstract 

Objectives

To characterize and compare dynamic joint stiffness (DJS) of the ankle in the sagittal plane during natural cadence walking in both genders.

Design

Observation, cross-sectional and matched pairs.

Participants

Twenty-one males (mean age=27±4.2 years) and 18 females (mean age=22.9±4.1 years).

Setting

Laboratory at the University de Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro. The DJS of the ankle was assessed while participants performed barefoot walking at a natural cadence, was measured using a force platform (1000Hz), and synchronized with a high-speed camera (200Hz).

Main outcome measures

DJS of the ankle in males and females was calculated in two sub-phases (the second and the fourth sub-phases) of the stance phase. The Wilcoxon non-parametric matched-pairs test and the Mann–Whitney U non-parametric test were used to analyse difference of DJS of the ankle within and between the groups with p⩽0.05 regarded as significant.

Results

Male and female participants demonstrated significantly (p<0.005) less DJS during the second sub-phase. DJS was not significantly (p>0.063) different between females (0.0511Nm/kg/°) and males (0.0596Nm/kg/°) during the second sub-phase. DJS was significantly (p<0.001) higher in males (0.0844Nm/kg/°) than females (0.0691Nm/kg/°) during the fourth sub-phase.

Conclusions

Gender-specific DJS characteristics demonstrated by females in this study may be used in preventative training programs designed to promote a greater ability to use contractile components to produce mechanical energy through the ankle.

Keywords: Locomotion, Biomechanics, Ankle, Joint stability