Askelpituutta

Askelpituutta, in gait analysis and biomechanics, refers to the distance covered by a person’s foot during a step. In Finnish literature the term askelpituus is commonly used to denote step length, the distance between successive contacts of opposite feet, while stride length is the distance between successive contacts of the same foot. Both measures describe aspects of how far a person travels with each part of the walking cycle, but they refer to different segments of the gait cycle.

Measurement is typically done in meters and can be obtained in laboratory settings using motion capture, force plates, or pressure-sensitive treadmills, as well as with wearable sensors in more natural environments. Step length and stride length can be reported separately or as related metrics alongside walking speed. They are influenced by leg length, body proportions, and the chosen walking speed, with longer legs and faster pace generally yielding longer pituudet.

Typical values vary by age, height, and fitness. In healthy adults at comfortable walking speed, step length is roughly 0.7 to 0.8 meters and stride length about 1.4 to 1.6 meters, although individual differences are common. Pathologies, aging, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke can reduce stride length and alter step length, affecting balance and propulsion.

Applications of askelpituutta include clinical assessment, rehabilitation planning, sports performance analysis, and the design of assistive devices and footwear. Accurate measurement helps track changes over time and evaluate interventions aimed at improving gait efficiency and safety. See also gait analysis, step length, and stride length.