Deep Metric Learning for Scalable Gait-Based Person Re-Identification Using Force Platform Data.

Walking gait data acquired with force platforms may be used for person re-identification (re-ID) in various authentication, surveillance, and forensics applications. Current force platform-based re-ID systems classify a fixed set of identities (IDs), which presents a problem when IDs are added or removed from the database. We formulated force platform-based re-ID as a deep metric learning (DML) task, whereby a deep neural network learns a feature representation that can be compared between inputs using a distance metric. The force platform dataset used in this study is one of the largest and the most comprehensive of its kind, containing 193 IDs with significant variations in clothing, footwear, walking speed, and time between trials. Several DML model architectures were evaluated in a challenging setting where none of the IDs were seen during training (i.e., zero-shot re-ID) and there was only one prior sample per ID to compare with each query sample. The best architecture was 85% accurate in this setting, though an analysis of changes in walking speed and footwear between measurement instances revealed that accuracy was 28% higher on same-speed, same-footwear comparisons, compared to cross-speed, cross-footwear comparisons. These results demonstrate the potential of DML algorithms for zero-shot re-ID using force platform data, and highlight challenging cases.

Setting up girls for success in fundamental motor skills: The role of balance in 8-10 year olds.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between postural control and fundamental motor skills in girls. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 47 girls, aged 8-10 years. Postural control (postural sway centre of pressure) was evaluated during tandem stance, leading with dominant and non-dominant limbs with eyes open and closed, using an AMTI force platform. Fundamental motor skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development 2nd Edition, examining total, locomotor and object control scores. Data were analysed using linear regression, adjusted for body mass index percentile and household income. For locomotor skills, significant relationships were found with a number of postural sway outcomes for adjusted and unadjusted analyses (r - 0.287 to r - 0.425, p ≤ 0.042). Total motor skill score was significantly related to postural sway in the tandem dominant eyes closed condition for unadjusted and adjusted analyses (r ≥ -0.294, p ≤ 0.04). In conclusion, our findings indicate that postural control may be important for fundamental motor skill proficiency and movement quality in pre-adolescent girls, particularly for locomotor skills. Our study provides evidence supporting the clinical practice of assessing postural control in girls presenting with motor skill deficits.

Lumbar spine loads are reduced for activities of daily living when using a braced arm-to-thigh technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of the braced arm-to-thigh technique (BATT) (versus self-selected techniques) on three-dimensional trunk kinematics and spinal loads for three common activities of daily living (ADLs) simulated in the laboratory: weeding (gardening), reaching for an object in a low cupboard, and car egress using the two-legs out technique. METHODS: Ten young healthy males performed each task using a self-selected technique, and then using the BATT. The pulling action of weeding was simulated using a magnet placed on a steel plate. Cupboard and car egress tasks were simulated using custom apparatus representing the dimensions of a kitchen cabinet and a medium-sized Australian car, respectively. Three-dimensional trunk kinematics and L4/L5 spinal loads were estimated using the Lifting Full-Body OpenSim model and compared between techniques. Paired t-tests were used to compare peak values between methods (self-selected vs BATT). RESULTS: The BATT significantly reduced peak extension moments (13-51%), and both compression (27-45%) and shear forces (31-62%) at L4/L5, compared to self-selected techniques for all three tasks (p < 0.05). Lateral bending angles increased with the BATT for weeding and cupboard tasks, but these changes were expected as the BATT inherently introduces asymmetric trunk motion. CONCLUSION: The BATT substantially reduced L4/L5 extension moments, and L4/L5 compression and shear forces, compared to self-selected methods, for three ADLs, in a small cohort of ten young healthy males without prior history of back pain. These study findings can be used to inform safe procedures for these three ADLs, as the results are considered representative of a mature population.

Custom foot orthoses improve first-step pain in individuals with unilateral plantar fasciopathy: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Foot orthoses are routinely used to treat plantar fasciopathy in clinical practice. However, minimal evidence exists as to the effect of both truly custom designed foot orthoses, as well as that of the shoe the foot orthoses are placed into. This study investigated the effect of wearing custom foot orthoses and new athletic footwear on first-step pain, average 24-h pain and plantar fascia thickness in people with unilateral plantar fasciopathy over 12 weeks. METHODS: A parallel, three-arm randomised controlled trial with blinding of participants and assessors. 60 participants diagnosed with unilateral plantar fasciopathy were randomised to either custom foot orthoses and new shoes (orthoses group), a sham insole with a new shoes (shoe group) or a sham insole placed in the participant's regular shoes (control group). Primary outcome was first-step pain. Secondary outcomes were average 24-h pain and plantar fascia thickness measured on ultrasound. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 4 week and 12 week trial time-points. RESULTS: At 4 weeks, the orthoses group reported less first-step pain (p = 0.002) compared to the control group. At 12 weeks, the orthoses group reported less first-step pain compared to both the shoe (p = < 0.001) and sham (p = 0.01) groups. Both the orthoses (p = < 0.001) and shoe (p = 0.006) groups reported less average 24-h pain compared to the control group at 4 and 12 weeks. The orthoses group demonstrated reduced plantar fascia thickness on ultrasound compared to both the shoe (p = 0.032) and control groups (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Custom foot orthoses in new shoes improve first-step pain and reduce plantar fascia thickness over a period of 12 weeks compared to new shoes alone or a sham intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN 12613000446763 ). Submitted on the 10th of April 2013 and registered on the 18th of April 2013.

Is there a relationship between postural alignment and mobility for adults after acquired brain injury? A systematic review.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between postural alignment and mobility skills for adults after acquired brain injury (ABI). METHODS: Systematic review of the literature. Seven electronic databases, grey literature and reference lists of the shortlisted publications were searched. Studies were included if participants were adults with ABI, both postural alignment and mobility were measured and analysis included a relationship between alignment and mobility. Those that met the inclusion criteria were assessed with a critical appraisal tool. The review was registered with PROSPERO, registration number CRD42015019867. RESULTS: Seven observational studies were included that had examined a relationship between postural alignment and mobility after ABI. Critical appraisal scores were moderate to strong. While some studies reported that improved postural alignment was related to improved mobility after ABI, results varied and there was insufficient evidence to answer the primary question. Heterogeneous study designs did not allow meta-regression. CONCLUSIONS: A small amount of observational evidence exists for a relationship between postural alignment and mobility after ABI. Results vary, with some studies reporting that a more stable, upright trunk correlates with better mobility, and others providing conflicting or ambiguous results. Further research is needed to establish the relationship between postural alignment and mobility skills after ABI.

The reliability of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements of bone mineral density in the metatarsals.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability of a simple, efficient technique for measuring bone mineral density (BMD) in the metatarsals using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: BMD of the right foot of 32 trained male distance runners was measured using a DXA scanner with the foot in the plantar position. Separate regions of interest (ROI) were used to assess the BMD of each metatarsal shaft (1st-5th) for each participant. ROI analysis was repeated by the same investigator to determine within-scan intra-rater reliability and by a different investigator to determine within-scan inter-rater reliability. Repeat DXA scans were undertaken for ten participants to assess between-scan intra-rater reliability. RESULTS: Assessment of BMD was consistently most reliable for the first metatarsal across all domains of reliability assessed (intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC] ≥0.97; coefficient of variation [CV] ≤1.5%; limits of agreement [LOA] ≤4.2%). Reasonable levels of intra-rater reliability were also achieved for the second and fifth metatarsals (ICC ≥0.90; CV ≤4.2%; LOA ≤11.9%). Poorer levels of reliability were demonstrated for the third (ICC ≥0.64; CV ≤8.2%; LOA ≤23.6%) and fourth metatarsals (ICC ≥0.67; CV ≤9.6%; LOA ≤27.5%). BMD was greatest in the first and second metatarsals (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Reliable measurements of BMD were achieved for the first, second and fifth metatarsals.

Effects of a minimalist shoe on running economy and 5-km running performance.

The purpose of this study was to determine if minimalist shoes improve time trial performance of trained distance runners and if changes in running economy, shoe mass, stride length, stride rate and footfall pattern were related to any difference in performance. Twenty-six trained runners performed three 6-min sub-maximal treadmill runs at 11, 13 and 15 km·h(-1) in minimalist and conventional shoes while running economy, stride length, stride rate and footfall pattern were assessed. They then performed a 5-km time trial. In the minimalist shoe, runners completed the trial in less time (effect size 0.20 ± 0.12), were more economical during sub-maximal running (effect size 0.33 ± 0.14) and decreased stride length (effect size 0.22 ± 0.10) and increased stride rate (effect size 0.22 ± 0.11). All but one runner ran with a rearfoot footfall in the minimalist shoe. Improvements in time trial performance were associated with improvements in running economy at 15 km·h(-1) (r = 0.58), with 79% of the improved economy accounted for by reduced shoe mass (P < 0.05). The results suggest that running in minimalist shoes improves running economy and 5-km running performance.

Practices and risks associated with operation of tie-down lashings in the vehicle transport industry.

Load restraint systems in automobile transport utilise tie-down lashings placed over the car's tyres, which are tensioned manually by the operator using a ratchet assembly. This process has been identified as a significant manual handling injury risk. The aim of this study was to gain insight on the current practices associated with tie-down lashings operation, and identify the gaps between current and optimal practice. We approached this with qualitative and quantitative assessments and one numerical simulation to establish: (i) insight into the factors involved in ratcheting; (ii) the required tension to hold the car on the trailer; and (iii) the tension achieved by drivers in practice and associated joint loads. We identified that the method recommended to the drivers was not used in practice. Drivers instead tensioned the straps to the maximum of their capability, leading to over-tensioning and mechanical overload at the shoulder and elbow. We identified the postures and strategies that resulted in the lowest loads on the upper body during ratcheting (using both hands and performing the task with their full body). This research marks the first step towards the development of a training programme aiming at changing practice to reduce injury risks associated with the operation of tie-down lashings in the automobile transport industry. Practitioner Summary: The study investigated current practice associated with the operation of tie-down lashings through qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (biomechanical analysis) methods. Operators tended to systematically over-tension the lashings and consequently overexert, increasing injury risks.

Coordination of digit force variability during dominant and non-dominant sustained precision pinch.

This study examined the effects of handedness on the inter-digit coordination of force variability with and without concurrent visual feedback during sustained precision pinch. Twenty-four right-handed subjects were instructed to pinch an instrumented apparatus with their dominant and non-dominant hands, separately. During the pinch, the subjects were required to maintain a stable force output at 5 N for 1 min. Visual feedback was given for the first 30 s and removed for the second 30 s. Coefficient of variation and detrended fluctuation analysis were employed to examine the amount and structural variability of the thumb and index finger forces. Similarly, correlation coefficient and detrended cross-correlation analysis were applied to quantify the inter-digit correlation of force amount and structural variability. Results showed that, compared to the non-dominant hand, the dominant hand had higher inter-digit difference in the amount of digit force variability. Without visual feedback, the dominant hand exhibited lower digit force structural variability but higher inter-digit force structural correlation than the non-dominant hand. These results implied that the dominant hand would be more independent, less flexible and with lower dynamic degrees of freedom than the non-dominant hand in coordination of the thumb and index finger forces during sustained precision pinch. The effects of handedness on inter-digit force coordination were dependent on sensory condition, which shed light on higher-level sensorimotor mechanisms that may be responsible for the asymmetries in coordination of digit force variability.

The effect of lunate morphology on the 3-dimensional kinematics of the carpus.

PURPOSE: To assess carpal kinematics in various ranges of motion in 3 dimensions with respect to lunate morphology. METHODS: Eight cadaveric wrists (4 type I lunates, 4 type II lunates) were mounted into a customized platform that allowed controlled motion with 6 degrees of freedom. The wrists were moved through flexion-extension (15°-15°) and radioulnar deviation (RUD; 20°-20°). The relative motion of the radius, carpus, and third metacarpal were recorded using optical motion capture methods. RESULTS: Clear patterns of carpal motion were identified. Significantly greater motion occurred at the radiocarpal joint during flexion-extension of type I wrist than a type II wrist. The relative contributions of the midcarpal and radiocarpal articulations to movement of the wrist differed between the radial, the central, and the ulnar columns. During wrist flexion and extension, these contributions were determined by the lunate morphology, whereas during RUD, they were determined by the direction of wrist motion. The midcarpal articulations were relatively restricted during flexion and extension of a type II wrist. However, during RUD, the midcarpal joint of the central column became the dominant articulation. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the effect of lunate morphology on 3-dimensional carpal kinematics during wrist flexion and extension. Despite the limited size of the motion arcs tested, the results represent an advance on the current understanding of this topic. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Differences in carpal kinematics may explain the effect of lunate morphology on pathological changes within the carpus. Differences in carpal kinematics due to lunate morphology may have implications for the management of certain wrist conditions.

Preoperative asymmetry in load distribution during quiet stance persists following total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Preoperative function has been shown to persist posttotal knee arthroplasty. However, it remains unclear whether asymmetries are task specific. Therefore, we investigated postoperative asymmetries in loading during quiet stance and walking gait. METHODS: Ten patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis scheduled for total knee arthroplasty were studied at baseline (preoperative), 6-week, 3- and 6-month postoperative. Load distribution and balance were quantified during quiet stance. Furthermore, dynamic loading was quantified during walking gait. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Knee Osteoarthritis and injury Outcome Score. RESULTS: Preoperatively, load distribution was significantly different between limbs, with approximately 70% of the load through the contralateral or 'good' side. Asymmetries persisted and up to 6-month postoperative during quiet stance. No significant change was found in balance. During walking, preoperative loading asymmetry was present; however, no significant postoperative loading asymmetries were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Total knee arthroplasty does not appear to significantly change load distribution or balance 6-month postoperative during quiet stance; however, during walking gait, symmetry appears to be restored. This could be potentially improved through enhanced rehabilitation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level IV.

The absence of reporting standards and a lack of objective, performance-based outcomes following intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures: findings from a scoping review into 179 articles.

PURPOSE: This scoping review was conducted to summarise the outcome tools reported in the assessment of tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary (IM) nailing, with a key focus on knee pain and function, and performance-based outcomes. METHODS: PubMed and Embase databases were searched on May 31, 2023. All study designs and populations were included, including ex vivo studies without fracture. Studies with only open or intra-articular fractures, or other fracture fixation, were excluded. Reported outcome tools and pertinent study characteristics were extracted and summarised. RESULTS: Of 488 articles identified, 179 met the inclusion criteria. For in vivo studies (n = 152), there were 13,705 fractures; the IM nailing approach not described for 30% of these. There were 133 unique patient outcomes, with a binary assessment of knee pain (29% of studies) and Lysholm score (21%) most common. Only 10/152 (7%) in vivo studies included an objective, performance-based measure of knee function. Fracture union was most frequent (52%) of 81 different clinical outcomes. For ex vivo studies (n = 29), there were 408 tibias included, with nail insertion location most prevalent (66% of studies) of 34 reported outcomes. CONCLUSION: The heterogeneity of outcome tools reported limits comparison between studies and the most commonly reported patient outcomes may not be the most appropriate. Future studies should report the IM nailing approach and consider capturing both patient-reported and performance-based outcomes to help inform surgical decision making.

Hip biomechanics in early recovery following fixation of intertrochanteric fractures: Results from a randomised controlled trial.

Single and dual integrated screw femoral nails are both commonly used to treat intertrochanteric fractures. This study investigated if using single or dual integrated screw femoral nails result in different post-operative hip joint loading. In the presence of differences, we investigated potential contributing factors. Patients were randomised for treatment via single screw (Stryker, Gamma3) or dual-integrated screw nail (Smith and Nephew, Intertan). Pre-injury mobility levels were collected at enrolment. Hip radiographs and gait data were collected at six weeks (Gamma: 16; Intertan: 15) and six months (Gamma: 14; Intertan: 13) follow-up. The resultant hip joint reaction forces and abductor muscle forces were estimated using electromyography-assisted neuromusculoskeletal modelling during level walking gait. Our primary analysis focused on the resultant hip joint reaction force and abductor muscle forces. We compared between groups, across stance phase of walking gait, using statistical parametric mapping. At six weeks, the Intertan group showed a short (∼5% of stance phase) but substantial (33 % [0.3 × body weight] greater magnitude) resultant hip joint reaction force when compared to the Gamma group (P = 0.022). Higher gluteus medius forces (P = 0.009) were demonstrated in the Intertan group at six weeks. Harris Hip Scores followed the trend seen for the biomechanical outcomes with superior scores for the Intertan group at six weeks postoperative (P = 0.044). The use of dual-integrated screw femoral nails over single screw devices may allow for hip biomechanics more closely resembling normal hip function at earlier post-operative timepoints, but these appear to resolve by six months postoperative.

Corroboration of coupled musculoskeletal model and finite element predictions with in vivo RSA migration of an uncemented acetabular component.

While finite element (FE) models have been used extensively in orthopedic studies, validation of their outcome metrics has been limited to comparison against ex vivo testing. The aim of this study was to validate FE model predictions of the initial cup mechanical environment against patient-matched in vivo measurements of acetabular cup migration using radiostereometric analysis (RSA). Tailored musculoskeletal and FE models were developed using a combination of three-dimensional (3D) motion capture data and clinical computerized tomography (CT) scans for a cohort of eight individuals who underwent primary total hip replacement and were prospectively enrolled in an RSA study. FE models were developed to calculate the mean modulus of cancellous bone, composite peak micromotion (CPM), composite peak strain (CPS) and percentage area of bone ingrowth. The RSA cup migration at 3 months was used to corroborate the FE output metrics. Qualitatively, all FE-predicted metrics followed a similar rank order as the in vivo RSA 3D migration data. The two cases with the lowest predicted CPM (<20 µm), lowest CPS (<0.0041), and high bone modulus (>917 MPa) were confirmed to have the lowest in vivo RSA 3D migration (<0.14 mm). The two cases with the largest predicted CPM (>80 µm), larger CPS (>0.0119) and lowest bone modulus (<472 MPa) were confirmed to have the largest in vivo RSA 3D migration (>0.78 mm). This study enabled the first corroboration between tailored musculoskeletal and FE model predictions with in vivo RSA cup migration. Investigation of additional patient-matched CT, gait, and RSA examinations may allow further development and validation of FE models.

Optimizing Wearable Device and Testing Parameters to Monitor Running-Stride Long-Range Correlations for Fatigue Management in Field Settings.

PURPOSE: There are important methodological considerations for translating wearable-based gait-monitoring data to field settings. This study investigated different devices' sampling rates, signal lengths, and testing frequencies for athlete monitoring using dynamical systems variables. METHODS: Secondary analysis of previous wearables data (N = 10 runners) from a 5-week intensive training intervention investigated impacts of sampling rate (100-2000 Hz) and signal length (100-300 strides) on detection of gait changes caused by intensive training. Primary analysis of data from 13 separate runners during 1 week of field-based testing determined day-to-day stability of outcomes using single-session data and mean data from 2 sessions. Stride-interval long-range correlation coefficient α from detrended fluctuation analysis was the gait outcome variable. RESULTS: Stride-interval α reduced at 100- and 200- versus 300- to 2000-Hz sampling rates (mean difference: -.02 to -.08; P ≤ .045) and at 100- compared to 200- to 300-stride signal lengths (mean difference: -.05 to -.07; P < .010). Effects of intensive training were detected at 100, 200, and 400 to 2000 Hz (P ≤ .043) but not 300 Hz (P = .069). Within-athlete α variability was lower using 2-session mean versus single-session data (smallest detectable change: .13 and .22, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Detecting altered gait following intensive training was possible using 200 to 300 strides and a 100-Hz sampling rate, although 100 and 200 Hz underestimated α compared to higher rates. Using 2-session mean data lowers smallest detectable change values by nearly half compared to single-session data. Coaches, runners, and researchers can use these findings to integrate wearable-device gait monitoring into practice using dynamic systems variables.

Effects of footwear on lead limb knee and ankle joint kinematics in a fast bowler with a history of posterior ankle joint impingement-a case report.

This case study reports the kinematic effect of 2 different cricket shoes on a fast bowler who reports a history of posterior ankle joint impingement. The participant bowled 6 trials in 2 pairs of cricket shoes. The 3-dimensional kinematics of the joints of the front leg was quantified during stance phase of the delivery stride. Wearing the high-cut shoe resulted in the ankle being 7.7-degree angle more plantarflexed at initial contact compared with the low-cut shoe. Again, when wearing the high-cut shoe compared with the low-cut shoe, the ankle joint was 15.5-degree angle more adducted and the knee was 4.1-degree angle less externally rotated at initial contact. This case study identifies the bowler's preferred shoe (high-cut shoe) as a potential contributing factor to the symptoms he was experiencing.

Does the method of component fixation influence clinical outcomes after total knee replacement? A systematic literature review.

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify the best available evidence describing the differences in clinical outcome associated with the different methods of total knee replacement (TKR) fixation. Randomized trials published between 1980 and January 2011 comparing differences in clinical outcome scores between groups allocated to either cemented or uncemented fixation for TKR were included. Nine of the 11 studies included in the review reported no significant differences in clinical outcomes between groups with either cemented or uncemented prosthesis components. Critical appraisal of methodological bias revealed consistent shortcomings in study design and execution. It is apparent that more rigorous studies with longer follow-up periods are required to verify which method of fixation may be preferable in enhancing clinical outcomes.

Next-generation low-cost motion capture systems can provide comparable spatial accuracy to high-end systems.

The objective quantification of three-dimensional kinematics during different functional and occupational tasks is now more in demand than ever. The introduction of new generation of low-cost passive motion capture systems from a number of manufacturers has made this technology accessible for teaching, clinical practice and in small/medium industry. Despite the attractive nature of these systems, their accuracy remains unproved in independent tests. We assessed static linear accuracy, dynamic linear accuracy and compared gait kinematics from a Vicon MX20 system to a Natural Point OptiTrack system. In all experiments data were sampled simultaneously. We identified both systems perform excellently in linear accuracy tests with absolute errors not exceeding 1%. In gait data there was again strong agreement between the two systems in sagittal and coronal plane kinematics. Transverse plane kinematics differed by up to 3° at the knee and hip, which we attributed to the impact of soft tissue artifact accelerations on the data. We suggest that low-cost systems are comparably accurate to their high-end competitors and offer a platform with accuracy acceptable in research for laboratories with a limited budget.

Gait biomechanics after proximal femoral nailing of intertrochanteric fractures.

Proximal femur fractures in the elderly are associated with significant loss of independence, mobility, and quality of life. This prospective study aimed to: (1) investigate gait biomechanics in intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) patients (A1 and A2 AO/OTA) managed via femoral nailing at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperative and how these compared with similarly aged elderly controls; and (2) investigate whether femoral offset shortening (FOS) and lateral lag screw protrusion (LSP) were associated with changes in gait biomechanics at postoperative time points. Hip radiographs and gait data were collected for 34 patients at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Gait data were also collected from similarly aged controls. FOS and LSP were measured from radiographs. Joint angles, external moments, and powers were calculated for the hip, knee, and ankle and compared between time points in ITF patients and healthy controls using statistical parametric mapping. The relationship between radiographic measures with gait speed, step length, peak hip abduction, and maximum hip abduction moment was assessed using a Pearson correlation. External hip adduction moments and hip power generation improved in the first 6 months postoperative, but differed significantly from healthy controls during single limb stance. LSP showed a moderate correlation with maximum hip abduction moment at 6 weeks postoperative (r = -0.469, p = 0.048). These results provide new detail on functional outcomes after ITF and potential mechanisms that functional deficiencies may stem from. Lag screw prominence may be an important factor in maintaining functional independence and minimizing the risk of secondary falls after ITF in the elderly.

Retention of kinematic patterns during a 6-minute walk test in people with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition affecting the entire joint and surrounding tissue, resulting in pain, stiffness and impaired movement. Recent studies have suggested the use of physical performance tests, such as the six-minute walk test (6MWT) to assess joint function for those with knee OA. This study assessed lower limb sagittal plane joint angles during a 6MWT for people with mild-moderate knee OA. METHODS: Thirty-one participants (18 male, 13 female; 62.9 ± 8.4 years) with knee OA were recruited. Gait data were collected in a single session during which participants completed a 6MWT around a 20 m course. Sagittal plane joint angles for the hip, knee and ankle were calculated during the first and last minute of the 6MWT. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used to investigate changes in kinematic traces over the gait cycle. RESULTS: Mean joint angles for the hip and knee showed no significant differences between the first and last minute of the 6MWT. Ankle joint kinematic traces indicated there to be a decrease in plantarflexion approaching toe-off in the last minute of the test - a 1.5° reduction from the first minute. No significant differences were calculated for walking speed or joint range of motion. DISCUSSION: The lack of significant change in joint kinematic parameters and walking speed suggests the relative fatigue and pain burden to the participant over the duration of the 6-minute period is insufficient to elicit any mechanical changes to walking gait.