Comparison of four methods of calculating the symmetry of spatial-temporal parameters of gait

Although gait symmetry is being evaluated and reported in the literature with increasing frequency, there is still no generally accepted standard for assessing symmetry, making it difficult to compare studies and establish criteria to guide clinical decision-making. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether gait symmetry in healthy subjects is consistent when assessed using various coefficients (RI, SI, GA, and SA), and if possible to identify a gait symmetry coefficient with the highest diagnostic utility. The study involved a group of 58 healthy university-level students of physical education and secondary school students aged 20.03±0.97. Measurements of spatial-temporal gait parameters were conducted using the ZEBRIS platform. Our analysis supports existing recommendations that the symmetry index (SI) should be used as the most sensitive assessment of gait symmetry on the basis of spatial-temporal parameters in healthy subjects. Moreover, we developed normative values of individual features for diagnostic purposes.