Postural differences in the shoulder girdle during normal locomotion in treadmill vs. over ground walking

In a clinical setting, most musculoskeletal assessment related to gait is undertaken using a treadmill which is additionally widely used during gait and neurological rehabilitation. Although previous studies have reported the range of motion of gait characteristics during running, there is a paucity of information on normative walking data applicable to clinical assessment. Movements and posture of the shoulder girdle is an important indication of back and upper extremity function. While studies indicate that shoulder girdle kinematics are changed during shoulder dysfunction there is little information on the postural relationship between the shoulder and pelvis. The present investigation aims to create a normative database for kinematics during treadmill walking by examining the differences between the treadmill and over ground walking patterns. Additionally, the research will also assess shoulder girdle posture and to establish its relationship with the pelvic complex which will contribute to further understanding scoliotic posture and movement. 14 normal subjects walked over ground at a self-selected speed followed by walking on the treadmill at a speed matched to each subject's respective average over-ground speed. Three-dimensional kinematic data was captured using a passive marker based motion analysis system (Vicon Peak, UK). Angular and temporal kinematic parameters were estimated. The results indicate differences in angular kinematics between over-ground and treadmill locomotion. These differences should be considered when treadmill kinematics are used for clinical evaluation as opposed to over ground ambulation is scoliosis and other conditions.