The biomechanics of walking symmetry during gait cycle in various walking condition

In the previous studies, contradictory results were reported on walking symmetry. The walking symmetry is important in the study of the evolution of bipedalism and gait therapy. This study investigated the effects of laterality and walking speed on gait symmetry during three conditions of walking on a treadmill, namely pushing while walking, walking with arm-swing, and walking while holding on a handlebar. All conditions were performed at three speeds: 1.5, 3, and 4 km/h. Symmetry was measured from bilateral gait cycle duration and cross-correlation function analysis performed in one gait cycle. Left-handers showed different characteristics from right-handers in various variables measured and not in mirror characteristics. Walking holding condition in general produced the greatest symmetry, confirmed the importance of this posture in gait therapy for improving symmetry among hemiparetic patients.