Effects of stride length on the mechanics of the tibiofemoral joint

It is purported that a sagittal tibiofemoral joint extension angle can be found for an individual, regardless of physical predisposition, that minimizes gliding and compression forces acting on the joint, and in turn, optimizes the leg's ability to absorb shock during the loading phase (heel plant) portion of the walking gait cycle. The results show that the tibiofemoral joint angle does not change with walking stride lengths tested; therefore, the compression forces experienced during the loading phase of the gait cycle did not depend on tibiofemoral joint angle, but instead depended primarily on femor-femor angle, and possibly ankle angle. Secondly the results imply that the 100% stride length is the optimal of the three lengths tested for minimizing compression forces in the tibiofemoral joint This was the case for both subjects. The average gliding force readings showed an increase with stride length for both subjects. Apparently there is no direct proportionality between gliding force and compression force in the tibiofemoral joint at least in this small sample.