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A novel gait trainer facilitates more natural walking patterns in adults 65 years and older.
Abstract
This study measured gait variables while using a novel gait training device (Vizziq Neuromuscular Trainer) compared against 2-wheel and 4-wheel conventional walkers in older (65yr+) adults who were not regular assistive device users. Specific gait variables measured were those associated with risk of falls, including self-selected speed, stride length, double-support time, and gait cycle symmetry.
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The Hip and Pelvis in Sports Medicine and Primary Care is an invaluable resource for improving the management of hip and pelvis injuries and presents a spectrum of treatment options. Differential diagnosis is emphasized throughout the chapters, and evidence-based guidelines and sport-specific considerations aid the reader with injury evaluation and care. From fundamentals-including epidemiology, history and physical examination-to functional therapeutic interventions and injection techniques, this concise handbook is ideal for sports medicine physicians, primary care physicians, physical therapists and athletic trainers alike. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010 All rights reserved.
Older adults exhibit modified gait patterns compared to the young, adopting movement strategies in response to changes in musculoskeletal function. Investigating the functional mobility of older women is particularly important because of their increased life expectancy and greater falls risk compared to men. We explored the relationships between gait parameters and age in healthy older women whilst accounting for declining gait speeds. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected from thirty-nine women (60-83 years) whilst walking at a comfortable cadence. Regression analysis assessed the capacity of gait speed and age to explain the variance in gait associated with older age. Speed explained the majority of variance in many gait parameters. By including age in the regression, the total explained variance (R(2)) for foot clearance (70%), ankle plantarflexion angle (30%), peak ankle plantarflexor moment (58%), and hip power generation (56%) were significantly (p<0.05) greater than for speed alone. Nonetheless, changes in speed and age did not fully explain the variance in gait mechanics associated with older age and other contributing factors must exist. Losses of 1.2%/year in gait speed were predicted by age, exceeding previous predictions of -0.7%/year. Furthermore, the accumulation of apparently small decreases of 0.2cm/year in peak foot-to-ground clearance has clinical implications and offers insight into the mechanisms by which gait becomes hazardous in older age.
To test the hypothesis that reduced hip extension and increased anterior pelvic tilt in the elderly are dynamic gait phenomena that do not occur during normal standing posture.
Experimental.
Gait laboratory.
Twenty-five older adult subjects (mean age +/- standard deviation, 71+/-5 y) and 25 young adult subjects (mean age, 26+/-5 y).
Subjects were observed during standing and walking at self-determined comfortable, slow, and fast walking speeds. Positions and kinematics of the pelvis and lower extremities were measured using a 3-dimensional video-based motion analysis system.
Peak hip extension and anterior pelvic tilt.
There were no statistically significant differences between the older and young adult groups during standing with respect to either hip extension (3 degrees +/-5 degrees vs 1 degrees +/-6 degrees) or anterior pelvic tilt (11 degrees +/-5 degrees vs 10 degrees +/-5 degrees). On the other hand, at comfortable walking speeds, the older adult group had reduced peak hip extension (7 degrees +/-6 degrees vs 11 degrees +/-6 degrees , P<.05) and increased anterior pelvic tilt (15 degrees +/-5 degrees vs 11 degrees +/-5 degrees) compared with the young adult group. At fast walking speeds, peak hip extension was significantly reduced in the older adult group than in the young adult group (9 degrees +/-6 degrees vs 14 degrees +/-6 degrees , P<.05), but there was no significant difference at slow walking speeds (6 degrees +/-6 degrees vs 9 degrees +/-5 degrees ).
Age-related changes in gait defined by reduced peak hip extension and increased pelvic tilt are dynamic rather than standing postural characteristics.
Toward a better understanding of gait changes with age and disablement: neuromuscular adaptation. Exercise and sport sciences reviews
- C A Mcgibbon
McGibbon, C. A. (2003). Toward a better understanding of gait changes with age and disablement: neuromuscular
adaptation. Exercise and sport sciences reviews, 31(2), 102-108.
National Institute of Health (NIH). (2011). Aging [brochure].
Associations between core strength, walking speed, and age in women
- J R Omodt
- A L Hokanson
- C M Wall-Scheffler
- M J Myers
Omodt JR, Hokanson AL, Wall-Scheffler CM, Myers MJ. 2009. Associations between core strength, walking speed, and age
in women. Med Sci Sports Exerc 41:533-534.