Limb locomotion - speed distribution analysis as a new method for stance phase detection

The stance phase is used for the determination of many parameters in motion analysis. In this technical note the authors present a new kinematical met hod for determination of stance phase. From the high-speed video data, the speed distribution of the horizontal motion of the distal limb is calculate d. The speed with the maximum occurrence within the motion cycle defines th e stance phase, and this speed is used as threshold for beginning and end o f the stance phase. In seven horses the results obtained with the presented method were compared to synchronous stance phase determination using a for ce plate integrated in a hard track. The mean difference between the result s was 10.8 ms, equalling 1.44% of mean stance phase duration. As a test, th e presented method was applied to a horse trotting on the treadmill, and to a human walking on concrete. This article describes an easy and safe metho d for stance phase determination in continuous kinematic data and proves th e reliability of the method by comparing it to kinetic stance phase detecti on. This method may be applied in several species and all gaits, on the tre admill and on firm ground. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.