INTRODUCTION

How does gait with an immobilized knee compare to a normal gait? This question is important in biomechanics for therapists to rehabilitate a lower extremity injury after immobilization. After injury to a lower extremity, it is important that the gait return to normal. After removal of the immobilizer, return to normal walking gait is necessary to prevent further injury due to an abnormal gait, instability, and muscle atrophy. A normal gait is represented by a heel strike, flat foot, and toe off cycle. This is a pattern that is not evident when an immobilizer is placed on the leg, restricting knee movement.

The purpose of our investigation is to examine the changes in gait that occur when a knee is immobilized. In addition to the actual injury, the immobilization of the knee itself is expected to have a profound effect on the walking pattern. We immobilized one leg (of a healthy person, with no prior knee injury) to examine the effects of simple immobilization, on her gait. We hope that our results will aid in the rehabilitation techniques used by certified athletic trainers and physical therapists.