Gait initiation in downhill walking

For analysing the biomechanics of gait steady state velocity should be reached. With ramp construction the walkway is limited and it is not clear if the same rules for reaching speed steady state as for level walking apply over a range of downhill inclines. Therefore, temporo-spatial, kinematic and kinetic parameters were analysed for the first four steps in the level and three grades of decline (0°,-6°,-12°,-18°). Resultant center of mass (CoM) velocity increased until the 3rd step by increasing step frequency. It therefore seems appropriate to use the 3rd step for downhill gait analysis with inclines up to 18°, when using a ramp set up.