Comparison of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters between Amateur Musicians and Healthy Subjects

Background Amateur musicians often adopt asymmetric postures, which may influence their gait. Objectives This study aimed to examine gait asymmetry in amateur musicians by comparing spatiotemporal gait parameters—swing time, stance time, stride length, and step length—between the right and left lower limbs, and to evaluate differences between amateur musicians and healthy controls. Methods Twenty participants (10 amateur musicians and 10 healthy controls) were recruited. Gait parameters were measured using Xsens DOT sensors attached to the dorsum of both feet while participants walked barefoot at a self-selected pace. Swing time and stance time (as percentages of the gait cycle), along with stride length and step length, were analyzed using the StepLab application. Independent t-tests were conducted to assess intra-limb and inter-group differences. Results Amateur musicians demonstrated significant asymmetry in stance time and swing time, with both parameters being shorter on the left leg than on the right (p < 0.05). No significant asymmetry was observed in the control group. Moreover, the magnitude of stance time and swing time asymmetry was significantly greater in amateur musicians than in controls (p < 0.05). Stride length and step length did not differ significantly within or between groups. Conclusions These findings imply that habitual asymmetric postures may alter gait characteristics in amateur musicians. Gait analysis may therefore serve as a valuable tool for identifying postural imbalances associated with musculoskeletal risk.