Gender differences in the spatial-temporal variability between walking and running

PurposeThe pattern of gender differences in gait variability has not yet been well examined. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate gender differences in the spatial-temporal variability between walking and running.MethodsTwenty healthy recreational active individuals (ten males/ten females) were instructed to walk for 5 min at a constant speed of 4.0 km/h and then run for 5 min at 8.4 km/h on a treadmill. Walking and running kinematic data were collected during the 5 min.ResultsCV of duration [F (1,18)=7.61, p<0.01], CV of rate [F (1,18)=7.56, p<0.01], and CV of stance [F (1,18)=33.49, p<0.001] were significantly greater during running comparing to walking in both genders. Furthermore, CV of swing was significantly greater through running compared to walking only in women p<0.05.ConclusionThis study elucidates greater variability during running in females than males. The greater variability through running in females comparing to males might make them more prone to lower limb injury. These results may be useful in understanding the underlying mechanism contributing to differences in injury risk in males and females.