Biomechanical comparison of stair and ramp descent

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to quantify and analyze the changes that occur to the moments of force and moment powers at the joints of the lower extremity during stair and ramp descent. Methods. A sample population of five male and five female volunteers were asked to walk five times down a 10-degree ramp at normal gait speed, followed by five stair descent trials. Results and discussion. Stair descent has a larger eccentric plantar flexor peak at the ankle joint during weight acceptance. The knee exhibits slightly larger eccentric knee extensor peaks during ramp descent at push - off and there was higher loading of the hip during ramp descent as compared with stair descent. The higher ankle powers at FS during stair descent reveal a concern for those people suffering from ankle pathology and the larger hip and knee peaks during ramp descent is of concern to those with hip and knee problems. These results could be used in the rehabilitative considerations of patients with hip, knee and ankle replacements and as a baseline for future research. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)