Gait analysis before and after cycle training using a 3D pedal system

Abstract

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY In this pilot study, gait analysis was performed before and after training with a 3D pedal system (BIUS1), in order to clarify whether these differences are detectable by gait analysis after a short period of training. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two female and three male subjects were included in a prospective case-control pilot study. The patient and training characteristics were determined. Objective measurement data of the gait were obtained by using a three-dimensional motion analysis system with six infrared cameras and three force plates before and after training with the 3D pedal system. RESULTS The mean age was 36.7 ± 8.7 years and the subjects had a BMI of 21.8 ± 2.4 kg/m2. The training time per year was an average of 36.0 ± 11.2 days, with a training workload of 511.4 ± 36.7 km. For time-distance parameters, improvements for the left and right side were obtained for cadence and cycle time after training. In total, there was a reduction in hip abduction angle, and an increase in hip inward rotation, knee outward rotation, and range of the frontal knee angle. CONCLUSIONS Changes in parameters in the gait analysis after a short training interval demonstrate that a 3D pedal system is suitable to produce changes in the gait pattern detectable by gait analysis. Training effects on the supposedly weaker left side can be explained after a brief application of the BIUS1 system.