Gender-Based Differences in Biomechanical Walking Patterns of Athletes Using Inertial Sensors
<b>Background</b>: Wearable inertial sensors are essential tools in biomechanics and sports science for assessing gait in real-world conditions. This study explored gender-based differences in biomechanical walking patterns among healthy Greek athletes using the BTS G-Walk system, focusi...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/1/82 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background</b>: Wearable inertial sensors are essential tools in biomechanics and sports science for assessing gait in real-world conditions. This study explored gender-based differences in biomechanical walking patterns among healthy Greek athletes using the BTS G-Walk system, focusing on key gait parameters to inform gender-specific training and rehabilitation strategies. <b>Methods</b>: Ninety-five healthy athletes (55 men, 40 women), aged 18 to 30 years, participated in this study. Each athlete performed a standardized 14 m walk while 17 biomechanical gait parameters were recorded using the BTS G-Walk inertial sensor. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS to assess gender differences and left–right foot symmetry. <b>Results</b>: No significant asymmetry was found between the left and right feet for most gait parameters. Men exhibited longer stride lengths (left: <i>p</i> = 0.005, Cohen’s d = 0.61; right: <i>p</i> = 0.009, Cohen’s d = 0.53) and longer stride and gait cycle durations (left: <i>p</i> = 0.025, Cohen’s d = 0.52; right: <i>p</i> = 0.025, Cohen’s d = 0.53). Women showed a higher cadence (<i>p</i> = 0.022, Cohen’s d = −0.52) and greater propulsion index (left: <i>p</i> = 0.001, Cohen’s d = −0.71; right: <i>p</i> = 0.001, Cohen’s d = −0.73), as well as a higher percentage of first double support (<i>p</i> = 0.030, Cohen’s d = −0.44). <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings highlight the impact of biological and biomechanical differences on walking patterns, emphasizing the need for gender-specific training and rehabilitation. The BTS G-Walk system proved reliable for gait analysis, with potential for optimizing performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation in athletes. Future research should explore larger, more diverse populations with multi-sensor setups. |
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| ISSN: | 2411-5142 |