Comparison of spatiotemporal and arm swing characteristics of gait between patients with COPD and healthy controls

TL;DR

This study compares gait and arm swing patterns in COPD patients and healthy individuals, finding differences in posture and arm movement symmetry.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel focus on arm swing characteristics in COPD patients, revealing compensatory adaptations in gait.

Findings

COPD patients showed a more abducted and symmetrical arm swing pattern compared to healthy controls.

Postural impairments were significantly worse in COPD patients, affecting gait efficiency.

Healthy controls exhibited asymmetrical arm swings, while COPD patients showed symmetrical patterns.

Abstract

Impairments in spatiotemporal gait characteristics have been observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, arm swing characteristics—a fundamental component of gait that play a key role in maintaining gait stability and energy efficiency—have been largely overlooked. This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait, together with arm swing patterns, in patients with COPD.

A total of 20 patients with COPD (aged 40–65 years) and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) participated in this cross-sectional study. Spatiotemporal gait characteristics and arm swing data were recorded using a motion capture system equipped with eight near-infrared cameras during a 6 min walk.

Stride and step length, step time and width, gait speed, and cadence were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). The swing phase ratio was higher in patients with COPD, whereas the gait cycle and stance phase ratios were higher in the HC (p < 0.05). The magnitude and total angular displacement of arm swings were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). In patients with COPD, the right and left arm swings were similar across both the flexion–extension and abduction–adduction axes (p > 0.05), whereas significant right–left differences were observed in the HC group (p < 0.05). Posture quality was significantly poorer in patients with COPD (p < 0.05). The types and presence of scapular dyskinesia were similar between the groups (p > 0.05).

Due to postural impairments and disease-related compensatory adaptations, a more abducted and symmetrical arm swing pattern was observed in patients with COPD. An asymmetrical arm swing pattern was observed in the HC group. These results highlight the importance of assessing and addressing upper extremity movements within rehabilitation programs to optimize gait efficiency and functional mobility.

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