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Affiliation
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Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. |
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Gait variability is a measure of motor control of gait. Little is known about age-related changes in the motor control of gait (gait variability) during challenging walking conditions, such as slower and faster pace walking.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of challenging walking conditions (slower and faster speeds) on gait variability in younger and older adults.
DESIGN: This study was a cross-sectional, observational design.
METHODS: Forty younger (mean age=26.6±6.0years) and 111 community-dwelling older adults (mean age=77.3±6.0years), independent in ambulation, were studied. Gait characteristics were collected using a computerized walkway (GaitMat II™). Step length, step width, step time, swing time, stance time and double support time variability were derived as the standard deviation of all steps across the 4 passes.
RESULTS: Compared to younger, older adults had a significant change in their gait variability from usual to slower in step width (-0.006±0.003), step time (0.028±0.006), swing time (0.023±0.004), stance time (0.042±0.008), and double support time (0.024±0.005). Changes in gait variability from usual to faster were not significantly different between younger and older adults. LIMITATION: Gait variability was examined during self-selected over-ground walking, where subjects directed to walk "slower", "usual" and "faster".
CONCLUSIONS: Walking slowly is more challenging to the motor control of gait and may be more sensitive to age-related declines in gait than usual and faster speed walks.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Language: en |