This study was performed to set up the normal kinematics and kinetics according to age in the Korean population.

Normal adults and children without a previous history of musculoskeletal problems were enrolled in this study. According to the subjects' age, the normal volunteers were divided into 3 groups as follows: Group I;the children group (4-17), Group II;the young adult group (18-40)and Group III;the old adult group (41-). The linear indices and kinematics were measured using 5 CCD cameras while volunteers walked through a 9 m walkaway with a self-selected speed. The kinetics were measured using 2 force plates and were calculated by inverse dynamics.

There were significant differences between the groups in the walking velocity, step length, stride length, single support, double support.In kinematics, the mean pelvic tilt (p<0.01), hip flexion range (p=0.048), average hip internal rotation)(p<0.01), knee flexion in the initial contact (p=0.012)showed significant difference.

The standard kinematic and kinetic data of normal gait in Korean is necessary for the proper management of pathologic gaits. Because there is no normal data for the Korean normal gait, the values obtained in this study are expected to benefit evaluations and the treatment of patients with pathologic gaits.