Ground Contact Time Asymmetry

Ground contact time asymmetry is a measure of the difference in GCT between feet. Asymmetry measures are best used in conjunction with a baseline for each individual, as every person has inherent asymmetries.

 

Gait asymmetries with leg length discrepancies - Stance time was significantly shorter for the shorter leg compared to the longer leg. The longer leg was loaded more as a result of this decreased stance time and other asymmetrical gait adaptations.

Perttunen, J. R, Anttila, E, Sodergard, J, Merikanto, J, & Komi, P. V. (2004). Gait asymmetry in patients with limb length discrepancy. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 14(1), 49-56.

 

Gait asymmetries post-stroke - Stance time was correlated to weight bearing capacity in quiet stance. Because of this difficulty of balance on the paretic leg, stance time is decreased on that side. Plantarflexor and dorsiflexor strength and spasticity are correlated to spatiotemporal asymmetries.

Hendrickson, Janna, Patterson, Kara K, Inness, Elizabeth L, McIlroy, William E, & Mansfield, Avril. (2014). Relationship between asymmetry of quiet standing balance control and walking post-stroke. Gait & Posture, 39(1), 177-181.