Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the kinematics of young adults during ascent ramp climbing at different inclinations. Twenty-three subjects ascended a four step at four different inclinations(level, $8^{\circ},\;16^{\circ},\;24^{\circ}$). The 3-D kinematics was analysed by a camera-based falcon system. Groups difference was tested with one -way ANOVA and SNK test. The different kinematic patterns of ramp ascent were analysed and compared to level walking patterns. The kinematics of ramp walking could be clearly distinguished from the kinematics of level walking. In sagittal plane, Ankle joint was more dorsiflexed at initial contact and Max. dorsiflex. during stance phase with $16^{\circ},\;24^{\circ}$ inclination and more plantarflexed at toe off and Max. plantarflex. during swing phase with $24^{\circ}$(p<.001). Knee joint was more flexed at initial contact with $16^{\circ},\;24^{\circ}$ inclination(p<.001). Hip joint was more flexed at initial contact and Max. flex. during swing phase with $16^{\circ},\;24^{\circ}$ inclination and at toe off with $24^{\circ}$(p<.001) and was more extended at Max. ext. during stance phase with $24^{\circ}$(p<.05). In frontal plane, ankle joint was more everted at Max. eversion. during stance phase with $16^{\circ},\;24^{\circ}$ inclination(p<.001). Knee joint was more increased at Max. varus. during stance phase with $16^{\circ},\;24^{\circ}$ inclination(p<.001). Hip joint was not differentiated with different inclinations. In horizontal plane, all joints were not differentiated with different inclinations. Conclusionally, In ascent ramp walking, the different gait pattern generally occurred at over $16^{\circ}$ on the ascending ramp in sagittal and frontal plane. These results suggest that there is a certain inclination angle or angular range where subjects do switch between a level walking and a ascent ramp walking gait pattern. This shows their motor control strategy between level and ascent ramp walking. Further studies are necessary to confirm and detect the ascent ramp gait patterns.