Computerized method of analysis of ground reaction forces and joint angles in the normal gait

The authors propose a method to analyze the 6 following variables : 3 components of the ground reaction force and femur, knee and ankle angles in the sagittal plane. 50 subjects are analyzed. The statistical approach is based on the factor analysis method. This method, which is a low information loosing method, points out high differences between subjects and high asymmetry. When putting into relation the 6 time variables, the ankle angle is very independant from the two others, the transversal component is independant from the two others and angles and forces are globaly not linked. When considering particular combinations of the 6 variables, classes of walk were found.