EP8.46 Hidden Gait Asymmetries Under Increased Walking Speed and Their Association with Patient-Reported Hip Function in Healthy Young Adults

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Subclinical hip instability in healthy young adults may contribute to long-term degenerative processes. Early identification of biomechanical asymmetries and neuromuscular control deficits is important for developing hip preservation strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationships between biomechanical asymmetries that become more apparent with increased walking speed and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods This preliminary study included 14 healthy young adults without any diagnosed condition. Demographic data (age, sex, BMI), physical activity levels (IPAQ; categorical and MET values), musculoskeletal complaints (Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire; lower back, hip, and thigh regions), and hip function (iHOT-33 total and subscales) were assessed. Plantar pressure distribution, centre of pressure (COP) parameters, and single support (SS) durations were recorded during a 10-meter walk test at maximum walking speed using the Noraxon Ultium® insole system. Static weight distribution asymmetry index was also calculated. Asymmetry indices (AI) for SS and COP parameters were derived to evaluate dynamic asymmetry. Results Participants (9 females, 5 males) had a mean age of 21.07±0.6 years; 64.3% (n=9) reported mechanical symptoms and pain, and 85.7% (n=12) reported moderate-to-high physical activity levels. No significant side-to-side asymmetry was observed (SS: p=0.059; weight distribution: p=0.213). BMI was moderately positively correlated with SS AI (rho=0.601; p=0.023). The iHOT-33 functional subscale showed significant negative correlations with SS AI (rho=0.572; p=0.033) and COP path length (rho=-0.667; p=0.009). Total iHOT-33 scores were positively correlated with SS AI (rho=0.534; p=0.049) and COP mediolateral deviation (rho=0.579; p=0.030), and negatively correlated with COP path length (rho=-0.565; p=0.035). Individuals reporting pain had significantly lower iHOT-33 scores (p=0.019) but higher physical activity levels (p=0.027). Conclusion This preliminary study suggests that selected biomechanical gait parameters, particularly COP measures and SS asymmetry, may be associated with PROMs in healthy young adults. These findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited sample size and require confirmation in larger studies.