Changes in Walking Biomechanics after a 30-Min Exercise Bout in Sedentary Compared with Active Young Women

Abstract

Introduction Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common overuse injury associated with physical activity, including walking. The risk for PFP may increase if walking biomechanics change during a bout of walking. Because walking for exercise is often recommended to previously sedentary adults, this would be a cause for concern. The purpose of this study was to determine any differences in walking biomechanics associated with PFP between sedentary and active young women initially and after 30 min of walking for exercise. Methods Fifteen sedentary and 15 active young women walked overground for five trials of three-dimensional gait analysis before and after a 30-min treadmill walk. Peak knee flexion angle and extensor moment were compared between groups and before and after the 30-min walk. Results Comparing groups at baseline, peak knee flexion angle and peak knee extensor moment were not statistically significantly different between groups. After the 30-min walk, peak knee flexion angle and extensor moment increased slightly in both groups. Conclusions Smaller, not larger, peak knee flexion angle and extensor moment during walking have been associated with increased risk of PFP. Therefore, sedentary and active young women can walk for 30 min without further detrimental changes to walking biomechanics that may increase their risk of PFP.