The energy cost of walking and gait speed in older adults: A review of training methods

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 424
Author(s):  
Nicolas Berryman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Energy Cost Of Walking

scholarly journals Gait Biomechanics, Spatial and Temporal Characteristics, and the Energy Cost of Walking in Older Adults With Impaired Mobility

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (7) ◽  
pp. 977-985 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Wert ◽  
Jennifer Brach ◽  
Subashan Perera ◽  
Jessie M. VanSwearingen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Step Width ◽  
Trunk Flexion ◽  
Impaired Mobility ◽  
Gait Biomechanics ◽  
Stance Time ◽  
Hip Extension ◽  
Energy Cost Of Walking

BackgroundAbnormalities of gait and changes in posture during walking are more common in older adults than in young adults and may contribute to an increase in the energy expended for walking.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the contributions of abnormalities of gait biomechanics (hip extension, trunk flexion, and foot-floor angle at heel-strike) and gait characteristics (step width, stance time, and cadence) to the energy cost of walking in older adults with impaired mobility.DesignA cross-sectional design was used.MethodsGait speed, step width, stance time, and cadence were derived during walking on an instrumented walkway. Trunk flexion, hip extension, and foot-floor angle at heel contact were assessed during overground walking. The energy cost of walking was determined from oxygen consumption data collected during treadmill walking. All measurements were collected at the participants' usual, self-selected walking speed.ResultsFifty community-dwelling older adults with slow and variable gait participated. Hip extension, trunk flexion, and step width were factors related to the energy cost of walking. Hip extension, step width, and cadence were the only gait measures beyond age and gait speed that provided additional contributions to the variance of the energy cost, with mean R2 changes of .22, .12, and .07, respectively.LimitationsOther factors not investigated in this study (interactions among variables, psychosocial factors, muscle strength [force-generating capacity], range of motion, body composition, and resting metabolic rate) may further explain the greater energy cost of walking in older adults with slow and variable gait.ConclusionsCloser inspection of hip extension, step width, and cadence during physical therapy gait assessments may assist physical therapists in recognizing factors that contribute to the greater energy cost of walking in older adults.

The Association of Mobility Determinants and Life Space Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela M Dunlap ◽  
Andrea L Rosso ◽  
Xiaonan Zhu ◽  
Brooke N Klatt ◽  
Jennifer S Brach
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Life Space ◽  
Mobility Disability ◽  
Energy Cost Of Walking

Abstract Background It is important to understand the factors associated with life space mobility so that mobility disability can be prevented/treated. The purpose of this study was to identify the association between mobility determinants and life space among older adults. Methods This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 249 community-dwelling older adults (mean age=77.4 years, 65.5% female, 88% white) who were recruited for a randomized, controlled, clinical intervention trial. Associations between cognitive, physical, psychosocial, financial, and environmental mobility determinants and the Life Space Assessment (LSA) at baseline were determined using Spearman’s correlation coefficients and one-way analysis of variance. Multivariate analysis was performed using multivariable linear regression models. Results The mean LSA score for the sample was 75.3 (SD=17.8). Personal factors (age, gender, education, comorbidities), cognitive (Trail Making Test A and B), physical (gait speed, lower extremity power, Six Minute Walk Test, Figure of 8 Walk Test, tandem stance, energy cost of walking, and Late Life Function and Disability Function Scale), psychosocial (Modified Gait Efficacy Scale), and financial (neighborhood socio-economic status) domains of mobility were significantly associated with LSA score. In the final regression model, age (β=-0.43), lower extremity power (β=0.03), gait efficacy (β=0.19), and energy cost of walking (β=-57.41) were associated with life space (R 2=0.238). Conclusions Younger age, greater lower extremity power, more confidence in walking, and lower energy cost of walking were associated with greater life space. Clinicians treating individuals with mobility disability should consider personal, physical, and psychosocial factors assessing barriers to life space mobility.

scholarly journals Cycling efficiency and energy cost of walking in young and older adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 124 (2) ◽  
pp. 414-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn A. Gaesser ◽  
Wesley J. Tucker ◽  
Brandon J. Sawyer ◽  
Dharini M. Bhammar ◽  
Siddhartha S. Angadi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cycling Efficiency ◽  
Considerable Individual Variation ◽  
Energy Cost Of Walking

To determine whether age affects cycling efficiency and the energy cost of walking (Cw), 190 healthy adults, ages 18–81 yr, cycled on an ergometer at 50 W and walked on a treadmill at 1.34 m/s. Ventilation and gas exchange at rest and during exercise were used to calculate net Cw and net efficiency of cycling. Compared with the 18–40 yr age group (2.17 ± 0.33 J·kg−1·m−1), net Cw was not different in the 60–64 yr (2.20 ± 0.40 J·kg−1·m−1) and 65–69 yr (2.20 ± 0.28 J·kg−1·m−1) age groups, but was significantly ( P < 0.03) higher in the ≥70 yr (2.37 ± 0.33 J·kg−1·m−1) age group. For subjects >60 yr, net Cw was significantly correlated with age ( R2 = 0.123; P = 0.002). Cycling net efficiency was not different between 18–40 yr (23.5 ± 2.9%), 60–64 yr (24.5 ± 3.6%), 65–69 yr (23.3 ± 3.6%) and ≥70 yr (24.7 ± 2.7%) age groups. Repeat tests on a subset of subjects (walking, n = 43; cycling, n = 37) demonstrated high test-retest reliability [intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), 0.74–0.86] for all energy outcome measures except cycling net energy expenditure (ICC = 0.54) and net efficiency (ICC = 0.50). Coefficients of variation for all variables ranged from 3.1 to 7.7%. Considerable individual variation in Cw and efficiency was evident, with a ~2-fold difference between the least and most economical/efficient subjects. We conclude that, between 18 and 81 yr, net Cw was only higher for ages ≥70 yr, and that cycling net efficiency was not different across age groups. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study illustrates that the higher energy cost of walking in older adults is only evident for ages ≥70 yr. For older adults ages 60–69 yr, the energy cost of walking is similar to that of young adults. Cycling efficiency, by contrast, is not different across age groups. Considerable individual variation (∼2-fold) in cycling efficiency and energy cost of walking is observed in young and older adults.

scholarly journals Excess Body Weight and Gait Influence Energy Cost of Walking in Older Adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1017-1025 ◽  
Author(s):  
DAIN P. LAROCHE ◽  
NISE R. MARQUES ◽  
HEIDI N. SHUMILA ◽  
CHRISTOPHER R. LOGAN ◽  
ROBYN ST. LAURENT ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Excess Body Weight ◽  
Energy Cost Of Walking

scholarly journals Reducing the energy cost of walking in older adults using a passive hip flexion device

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fausto A. Panizzolo ◽  
Chiara Bolgiani ◽  
Laura Di Liddo ◽  
Eugenio Annese ◽  
Giuseppe Marcolin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Optical Measurement ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Metabolic Power ◽  
Temporal Parameters ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Energy Cost Of Walking

Abstract Background Elevated energy cost is a hallmark feature of gait in older adults. As such, older adults display a general avoidance of walking which contributes to declining health status and risk of morbidity. Exoskeletons offer a great potential for lowering the energy cost of walking, however their complexity and cost often limit their use. To overcome some of these issues, in the present work we propose a passive wearable assistive device, namely Exoband, that applies a torque to the hip flexors thus reducing the net metabolic power of wearers. Methods Nine participants (age: 62.1 ± 5.6 yr; height: 1.71 ± 0.05 m; weight: 76.3 ± 11.9 kg) walked on a treadmill at a speed of 1.1 m/s with and without the Exoband. Metabolic power was measured by indirect calorimetry and spatio-temporal parameters measured using an optical measurement system. Heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion were recorded during data collection to monitor relative intensity of the walking trials. Results The Exoband was able to provide a consistent torque (~ 0.03–0.05 Nm/kg of peak torque) to the wearers. When walking with the Exoband, participants displayed a lower net metabolic power with respect to free walking (− 3.3 ± 3.0%; p = 0.02). There were no differences in spatio-temporal parameters or relative intensities when walking with or without the Exoband. Conclusions This study demonstrated that it is possible to reduce metabolic power during walking in older adults with the assistance of a passive device that applies a torque to the hip joint. Wearable, lightweight and low-cost devices such as the Exoband have the potential to make walking less metabolically demanding for older individuals.

scholarly journals The association between energy cost of walking and physical function in older adults

2013 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Wert ◽  
Jennifer S. Brach ◽  
Subashan Perera ◽  
Jessie VanSwearingen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Energy Cost Of Walking

PREDICTING THE ENERGY COST OF WALKING IN OLDER ADULTS 985

1996 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 165 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. Maliszewski ◽  
S. M. Puhl
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Energy Cost Of Walking

scholarly journals Achilles tendon stiffness minimizes the energy cost in simulations of walking in older but not in young adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tijs Delabastita ◽  
Friedl De Groote ◽  
Benedicte Vanwanseele
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Triceps Surae ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Tendon Stiffness ◽  
Body Energy ◽  
Energy Cost Of Walking

AbstractBoth Achilles tendon stiffness and walking patterns influence the energy cost of walking, but their relative contributions remain unclear. These independent contributions can only be investigated using simulations. We created models for 16 young (24±2 years) and 15 older (75±4 years) subjects, with individualized (using optimal parameter estimations) and generic triceps surae muscle-tendon parameters. We varied Achilles tendon stiffness and calculated the energy cost of walking. Both in young and older adults, Achilles tendon stiffness independently contributed to the energy cost of walking. However, overall, a 25% increase in Achilles tendon stiffness increased the triceps surae and whole-body energy cost of walking with approximately 7% and 1.5%, respectively. Therefore, the influence of Achilles tendon stiffness is rather limited. Walking patterns also independently contributed to the energy cost of walking because the plantarflexor (including, but not limited to the triceps surae) energy cost of walking was lower in older than in young adults. Hence, training interventions should probably rather target specific walking patterns than Achilles tendon stiffness to decrease the energy cost of walking. However, based on the results of previous experimental studies, we expected that the calculated hip extensor and whole-body energy cost of walking would be higher in older than in young adults. This was not confirmed in our results. Future research might therefore assess the contribution of the walking pattern to the energy cost of walking by individualizing maximal isometric muscle force and by using three-dimensional models of muscle contraction.Summary statementAchilles tendon stiffness and walking patterns independently contribute to the energy cost in simulations of walking in young and older adults. The influence of Achilles tendon stiffness is rather small.

Impact of Lower-Extremity Gait Mechanics on Energy Cost of Walking in Younger and Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (5S) ◽  
pp. 10-11
Author(s):  
Dain P. LaRoche ◽  
Victoria A. Gregory ◽  
Morgan P. Baumgartner ◽  
Breanna M. Bozzuto ◽  
Victoria M. Libby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Gait Mechanics ◽  
Energy Cost Of Walking

scholarly journals A Single Assistive Profile Applied by a Passive Hip Flexion Device Can Reduce the Energy Cost of Walking in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2851
Author(s):  
Fausto Antonio Panizzolo ◽  
Eugenio Annese ◽  
Antonio Paoli ◽  
Giuseppe Marcolin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Metabolic Energy ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Spatiotemporal Parameters ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Low Torque ◽  
Hip Flexion ◽  
Energy Cost Of Walking

Difficulty walking in older adults affects their independence and ability to execute daily tasks in an autonomous way, which can result in a negative effect to their health status and risk of morbidity. Very often, reduced walking speed in older adults is caused by an elevated metabolic energy cost. Passive exoskeletons have been shown to offer a promising solution for lowering the energy cost of walking, and their simplicity could favor their use in real world settings. The goal of this study was to assess if a constant and consistent low torque applied by means of a passive exoskeleton to the hip flexors during walking could provide higher and more consistent metabolic cost reduction than previously achieved. Eight older adults walked on a treadmill at a constant speed of 1.1 m/s with and without the hip assistive device. Metabolic power and spatiotemporal parameters were measured during walking in these two conditions of testing. The hip assistive device was able to apply a low torque which initiates its assistive effect at mid-stance. This reduced the metabolic cost of walking across all the participants with respect to free walking (−4.2 ± 1.9%; p = 0.002). There were no differences in the spatiotemporal parameters reported. This study strengthened the evidence that passive assistive devices can be a valuable tool to reduce metabolic cost of walking in older adults. These findings highlighted the importance of investigating torque profiles to improve the performance provided by a hip assistive device. The simplicity and usability of a system of this kind can make it a suitable candidate for improving older adults’ independence.

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