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AB1409-HPR Gait stability in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain

Background Gait stability ratio (GSR) is represented by step counts per metre during walking. Higher GSR value means to increase in time spent on double support period and decrease in dynamic components of gait, which refers to more stable gait pattern. Recent studies showed that individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain (CINP) demonstrate altered balance and gait parameters. However, it is not clear whether GSR is affected in individuals with CINP. Objectives We have hypothesised that GSR could be altered in individuals with CINP because of their altered gait pattern. Therefore the aim of the study was to compare GSR, gait speed, step length and cadence between individuals with CINP and healthy controls and investigate the relationship between disability and spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with CINP. Methods Twenty-five individuals with CINP (17 female – 8 male, mean age: 37,28±13,47) and 25 healthy controls (17 female – 8 male, mean age: 36,6±14,2) recruited into this study. Participants with CINP completed the Turkish version of Neck Disability Index (NDI). All participants performed the 10-metre walking test in three walking conditions: Preferred walking (PW), walking with head rotation (HRW), walking at maximum speed (MAXW). Video analysis method involving slow motion camera (120 fps) was used to measure spatiotemporal gait parameters. GSR was calculated by dividing cadence (step/s) to gait speed (m/s). Independent samples t-test was used to compare groups for GSR and other gait parameters. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed to find associations between NDI and gait parameters. Results Individuals with CINP exhibited slower gait speed and cadence in all walking conditions (p<0.05). In individuals with CINP, step length was found to be shorter in only HRW (p<0.05), however, GSR was higher in HRW and MAXW (p<0.05). GSR values calculated in three walking conditions were found to be moderately correlated with NDI (r=507 for PW, r=533 for HRW, r=516 for MAXW, p<0.05). A negative and moderate correlation was found between preferred walking speed and NDI (r=-473, p<0.05). Conclusions Our results suggested that neck pain have a negative impact on gait parameters. Also, individuals with CINP had a more stable gait pattern involving less dynamic components. Assessment of GSR and related gait parameters in different walking conditions may be addressed in clinical assessment of CINP and may provide additional information for management of such disability. References [1] Cromwell RL, Newton RA. Relationship between balance and gait stability in healthy older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity2004;12(1):90–100. [2] Uthaikhup S, Sunkarat S, Khamsaen K, Meeyan K, et al. The effects of head movement and walking speed on gait parameters in patients with chronic neck pain. Manual therapy2014;19(2):137–41. Disclosure of Interest None declared