GROUND REACTION FORCE OF STEP MARCHING: A PILOT STUDY

Authors

  • Wichai Eungpinichpong
  • Pairaya Sitthiracha

Keywords:

Marching, Walking, Vertical ground reaction force, Healthy

Abstract

Step marching is the rhythmic movement of the lower extremities which combines hip, knee,
and ankle joint movements. The rhythmic movement requires standing on one leg involving the voluntary action
of moving the center of mass over the upcoming stance leg. Step marching has been used for body balance
training methods among the elderly because it is relatively simple and safe amid practice. The amount and
direction of ground reaction force during step marching affecting standing balance has not been thoroughly
explored. The objective of this study then, was to compare the effect of two different types of marching
(comfortable marching and marching incorporating 90-degree hip and knee flexion) walking on vertical ground
reaction force (VGRF). Ten healthy subjects (5 males and 5 females) aged 27.6±3.9 years (mean ± SD)
participated. Each subject underwent testing with step marching under the two conditions for 2 minutes, and 10
rounds of preferred-speed walking on 2 force platforms. VGRF was measured with Smart analyzer®, BTS
Bioengineering software. Paired t-test revealed significant differences in VGRF among the two conditions of
step marching and walking whereby step marching incorporating 90-degree hip and knee flexion showed the
highest mean value (11.23±0.5 N/kg), whereas the walking condition showed the lowest (10.09±0.6 N/kg). Two
types of step marching provide slightly higher VGRF than walking. Hence, they could be applied as a challenge
amid balance training among the elderly in case of weight bearing on the bones and joints is required for
progressive strength training of the lower limbs.

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Published

2020-12-28

How to Cite

Wichai Eungpinichpong, & Pairaya Sitthiracha. (2020). GROUND REACTION FORCE OF STEP MARCHING: A PILOT STUDY . GEOMATE Journal, 19(76), 104–109. Retrieved from https://geomatejournal.com/geomate/article/view/1077

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