Differences in gait kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters among different Big Five personality types under emotional states: a three-dimensional motion capture study.

This study addresses the lack of research on the mechanisms linking personality traits, emotional states, and gait patterns by systematically investigating the interactive effects of the Big Five personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) and three emotional states (pleasure, anger, and sadness) on walking gait. Using the Qualisys Track Manager three-dimensional motion capture system, lower limb joint kinematic data and spatiotemporal gait parameters were collected from 30 participants with typical personality profiles (prescreened using standardized scales). The results showed that under all three emotional conditions, individuals high in neuroticism, extraversion, and openness exhibited significantly lower dynamic stability, whereas those high in agreeableness and conscientiousness demonstrated greater stability. Gait speed and locomotor efficiency were significantly reduced in individuals high in neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, while those high in extraversion and openness maintained a moderately fast walking speed. Moreover, distinct patterns of joint functional status were observed across different personality types. These findings not only provide quantifiable biomechanical biomarkers for mental health risk assessment but also establish an empirical foundation for personality-specific gait simulation in virtual character modeling.