The effect of leg length discrepancy on pelvis and spine kinematics during gait

There are assumptions that leg length discrepancy (LLD) may cause low back pain by creating pelvis obliquity and lumbar scoliosis. Although individuals with LLD develop compensatory movements in the lower limbs and pelvis during walking, few investigations have attempted to identify kinematic variables of the upper body. This study aims to gain an understanding of how simulated LLD influences three-dimensional motion of the pelvis and spine. Seven male participants were required to walk barefoot at a preferred speed. Three LLD conditions (1, 2, and 3cm) were simulated using modified pieces of high density EVA attached to the right foot. An optoelectronic motion analysis system was used to record kinematic data of the pelvis and spine (lumbar, lower and upper thoracic segments) for each condition. Differences in range of motion and patterns of movement for the pelvis and lumbar spine were minimal between barefoot and LLD conditions. These observations could be attributed to various kinematic compensatory strategies within the lower limbs which require further in-depth investigation. © 2012 The authors and IOS Press. All rights reserved.