scholarly journals The age-related decline in spatiotemporal gait characteristics is moderated by concerns of falling, history of falls & diseases, and sociodemographic-anthropometric characteristics in 60–94 years old adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Niederer ◽  
Tobias Engeroff ◽  
Johannes Fleckenstein ◽  
Oliver Vogel ◽  
Lutz Vogt
Keyword(s):  
Gait Speed ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Specific Situation ◽  
Step Width ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Old Adults ◽  
Gait Characteristics ◽  
Age Related ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background Associations between age, concerns or history of falling, and various gait parameters are evident. Limited research, however, exists on how such variables moderate the age-related decline in gait characteristics. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the moderating effects of concerns of falling (formerly referred to as fear of falling), history of falls & diseases, and sociodemographic characteristics on changes in gait characteristics with increasing age in the elderly. Methods In this individual participant level data re-analysis, data from 198 participants (n = 125 females) from 60 to 94 years of age were analysed (mean 73.9, standard deviation 7.7 years). Dependent variables were major spatiotemporal gait characteristics, assessed using a capacitive force measurement platform (zebris FDM-T). Age (independent variable) and the moderating variables concerns of falling (FES-I), gender/sex, history of falls and fall-related medical records, number of drugs daily taken, and body mass index were used in the statistical analysis. Hierarchical linear mixed moderation models (multilevel analysis) with stepwise (forward) modelling were performed. Results Decreases of gait speed (estimate = −.03, equals a decrease of 0.03 m/s per year of ageing), absolute (− 1.4) and gait speed-normalized (−.52) stride length, step width (−.08), as well as increases in speed normalized cadence (.65) and gait speed variability (.15) are all age-related (each p < .05). Overall and specific situation-related concerns of falling (estimates: −.0012 to −.07) were significant moderators. History of potentially gait- and/or falls-affecting diseases accelerated the age-related decline in gait speed (−.002) and its variability (.03). History of falls was, although non-significant, a relevant moderator (in view of increasing the model fit) for cadence (.058) and gait speed (−.0027). Sociodemographics and anthropometrics showed further moderating effects (sex moderated the ageing effect on stride length, .08; height moderated the effect on the normalised stride length, .26; BMI moderated the effects on step width, .003). . Conclusion Age-related decline in spatiotemporal gait characteristics is moderated by concerns of falling, (non-significantly) by history of falls, significantly by history of diseases, and sociodemographic characteristics in 60–94 years old adults. Knowing the interactive contributions to gait impairments could be helpful for tailoring interventions for the prevention of falls. Trial registration Re-analysis of [21–24].

scholarly journals Dual task walking in healthy aging: Effects of narrow and wide walking paths

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261647
Author(s):  
Charlotte Hennah ◽  
Geraint Ellis ◽  
Michail Doumas
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Step Width ◽  
Aging Effects ◽  
Gait Characteristics

Dual-task walking may lead to gait instability and a higher fall risk in older adults, particularly when walking in a busy city street. Challenging street features such as narrow sidewalks not only discourage walking, but are also likely to be taxing for older adults’ cognitive resources and gait characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess the way older adults’ gait characteristics are affected by walking on a narrow path while performing a challenging cognitive task in lab conditions imitating common urban environments. Nineteen young and eighteen older adults walked on a narrow (40cm) and a wide (80cm) path and performed a cognitive (n-back) task individually adjusted to 80% accuracy. The two tasks were performed separately (Single-Task) and concurrently (Dual-Task). Both groups walked faster, and their step width was narrower on the narrow path. During dual-task walking on the narrow path, older adults showed significant dual-task costs in the cognitive task, gait speed, step width, and stride length. Dual-task walking was associated with decreased gait speed and stride length in both age groups, suggesting that dual-task walking may adversely affect gait, particularly when walking on narrow paths. These conditions may lead to gait instability and an increased fall risk for older adults, particularly when walking along the narrow sidewalks commonly found within the built environment. However, more research is needed in an urban setting to determine the extent of the fall risk narrow sidewalks present for older adults.

scholarly journals Age-specific differences in gait domains and global cognitive function in older women: gait characteristics based on gait speed modification

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e8820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byungjoo Noh ◽  
Changhong Youm ◽  
Myeounggon Lee ◽  
Hwayoung Park
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Measurement Unit ◽  
Gait Characteristics ◽  
Global Cognitive Function ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Data Loggers ◽  
Type Data ◽  
All Speeds

Background Several studies have reported the association between gait and global cognitive function; however, there is no study explaining the age-specific gait characteristics of older women and association between those characteristics and global cognitive function by age-specific differences and gait speed modification. The aim of this study was to examine age-specific differences in gait characteristics and global cognitive function in older women as well as identify gait domains strongly associated with global cognitive function in older women based on gait speed modification. Methods One hundred sixty-four female participants aged 65–85 years were examined. Participants were assessed for global cognitive function through the mini-mental state examination. They also performed three trials of the overground walking test along a straight 20 m walkway. Inertial measurement unit sensors with shoe-type data loggers on both the left and right outsoles were used to measure gait characteristics. Results The pace at all speeds and the variability and phase at faster speeds were altered in women aged >75 years (all pace domain parameters, p < 0.05); variability and phase highly depended on age (all p < 0.05). Variability at slower speeds (β = −0.568 and p = 0.006) and the phase at the preferred (β = −0.471 and p = 0.005) and faster speeds (β = −0.494 and p = 0.005) were associated with global cognitive function in women aged >75 years. Discussion The variability and phase domains at faster speeds were considered to identify gait changes that accompany aging. In addition, the decreases in global cognitive function are associated with increased variability and phase domains caused by changes in gait speed in older women. Conclusion Our results are considered useful for understanding age-related gait characteristics with global cognitive function in old women.

scholarly journals Gait characteristics in individuals with Parkinson’s disease during 1-minute treadmill walking

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9463
Author(s):  
Byungjoo Noh ◽  
Changhong Youm ◽  
Myeounggon Lee ◽  
Sang-Myung Cheon
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Treadmill Walking ◽  
Measurement Unit ◽  
Gait Characteristics ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Axial Acceleration ◽  
Spatiotemporal Parameters

Background No previous study has examined the age-dependent characteristics of gait in individuals between 50 and 79 years simultaneously in healthy individuals and individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) over continuous gait cycles. This study aimed to investigate age-related differences in gait characteristics on individuals age ranged 50–79 years, including individuals with PD, during a 1-minute treadmill walking session. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the differences associated with spatiotemporal gait parameters and PD compared in age-matched individuals. Methods This study included 26 individuals with PD and 90 participants age ranged 50–79 years. The treadmill walking test at a self-preferred speed was performed for 1 min. The embedded inertial measurement unit sensor in the left and right outsoles-based system was used to collect gait characteristics based on tri-axial acceleration and tri-axial angular velocities. Results Participants aged >60 years had a decreased gait speed and shortened stride and step, which may demonstrate a distinct shift in aging (all p < 0.005). Individuals with PD showed more of a decrease in variables with a loss of consistency, including gait asymmetry (GA), phase coordination index (PCI) and coefficient of variation (CV) of all variables, than age-matched individuals (all p < 0.001). Gait speed, stride and step length, stance phase, variability, GA and PCI were the variables that highly depended on age and PD. Discussion Older adults could be considered those older than 60 years of age when gait alterations begin, such as a decreased gait speed as well as shortened stride and step length. On the other hand, a loss of consistency in spatiotemporal parameters and a higher GA and PCI could be used to identify individuals with PD. Thus, the CV of all spatiotemporal parameters, GA and PCI during walking could play an important role and be useful in identifying individuals with PD. Conclusion This study provided the notable aging pattern characteristics of gait in individuals >50 years, including individuals with PD. Increasing age after 60 years is associated with deterioration in spatiotemporal parameters of gait during continuous 1-minute treadmill walking. Additionally, GA, PCI and the CV of all variables could be used to identify PD which would be placed after 70 years of age. It may be useful to determine the decline of gait performance in general and among individuals with PD.

scholarly journals Non-Discriminant Relationships between Leg Muscle Strength, Mass and Gait Performance in Healthy Young and Old Adults

Gerontology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Muehlbauer ◽  
Urs Granacher ◽  
Ron Borde ◽  
Tibor Hortobágyi
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Tissue Mass ◽  
Gait Performance ◽  
Old Adults ◽  
Lower Extremity Strength ◽  
Strength Exercises ◽  
Leg Muscle

Background: Gait speed declines with increasing age, but it is unclear if gait speed preferentially correlates with leg muscle strength or mass. Objective: We determined the relationship between gait speed and (1) leg muscle strength measured at 3 lower extremity joints and (2) leg lean tissue mass (LTM) in healthy young (age: 25 years, n = 20) and old (age: 70 years, n = 20) adults. Methods: Subjects were tested for maximal isokinetic hip, knee, and ankle extension torque, leg LTM by bioimpedance, and gait performance (i.e., gait speed, stride length) at preferred and maximal gait speeds. Results: We found no evidence for a preferential relationship between gait performance and leg muscle strength compared with gait performance and leg LTM in healthy young and old adults. In old adults, hip extensor strength only predicted habitual gait speed (R2 = 0.29, p = 0.015), whereas ankle plantarflexion strength only predicted maximal gait speed and stride length (both R2 = 0.40, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Gait speed did not preferentially correlate with leg muscle strength or leg LTM, favoring neither outcome for predicting mobility. Thus, we recommend that both leg muscle strength and leg LTM should be tested and trained complementarily. Further, hip and ankle extension torque predicted gait performance, and thus we recommend to test and train healthy old adults by functional integrated multiarticular rather than monoarticular lower extremity strength exercises.

scholarly journals A-26 Performance on Design Fluency and Visuoperception Measures is Related to Single and Dual Task Treadmill Gait Parameters in Healthy Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 885-885
Author(s):  
L Wadia ◽  
C Higginson ◽  
M Bifano ◽  
K Seymour ◽  
R Orr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dual Task ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Step Width ◽  
Single Task ◽  
Gait Characteristics ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Design Fluency ◽  
Task Step

Abstract Objective Research suggests a link between gait and cognition. Executive functions have been related to gait speed, however the relation between design fluency and visuoperception and other spatiotemporal gait characteristics that are related to falling is unclear. The objective of the study was to determine whether performance on design fluency and visuoperception tasks is related to spatiotemporal gait parameters during single and dual task treadmill walking in a sample of healthy adults. Method Nineteen healthy adults averaging 40 years of age completed cognitive measures of design fluency, visual attention, and visuoperception. They underwent gait analysis while walking on an instrumented treadmill in single task and dual task conditions. Results Performance on Spatial Span significantly correlated with single task stride length, r = 0.47, p = 0.043. Performance on Block Design significantly correlated with dual task stride length, r = 0.46, p = 0.049. Performance on Design Fluency significantly correlated with single task stride length variability, r = -0.50, p = 0.030, dual task stride length variability, r = -0.62, p = 0.005, and dual task step width variability, r = -0.56, p = 0.012. Performance on Picture Completion also correlated with dual task step width variability, r = -0.54, p = 0.017. Conclusions Design fluency and visuoperception appear related to spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy adults. Worse cognitive performance was related to greater variability in dual task stride length and step width, gait characteristics associated with falling in aging and neurological populations.

scholarly journals Diabetes Mellitus and Gait Dysfunction: Possible Explanatory Factors

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (11) ◽  
pp. 1365-1374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer S Brach ◽  
Jaime B Talkowski ◽  
Elsa S Strotmeyer ◽  
Anne B Newman
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Cardiovascular Health Study ◽  
Step Width ◽  
Explanatory Factors ◽  
Gait Characteristics ◽  
Lower Extremity Strength

Background and Objective Gait characteristics differ in individuals with diabetes compared with those without diabetes. Limited information regarding potential explanatory factors for this association exists. This study examined the association between diabetes and gait characteristics in older adults and explored potential explanatory factors. Design A cross-sectional, observational study design was used. Methods At the 1998–1999 clinic visit, 558 ambulatory older adults (mean age=79 years) from the Pittsburgh site of the Cardiovascular Health Study had an assessment of their gait characteristics, diabetes, health status, cognition, mood, lower-extremity circulation and sensation, vision, lower-extremity strength (force-producing capacity), physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). A series of linear regression models were developed to examine the association between diabetes and gait characteristics and to examine potential explanatory factors for the associations. Results Diabetes was related to gait speed (β=−.06 m/s); however, the association was partially explained by health status variables, cognition, mood, lower-extremity circulation and sensation, visual impairment, lower-extremity strength, physical activity, and BMI. Health status and lower-extremity strength each explained the greatest proportion of the association (β reduced 66% by each). Diabetes was related to step width (β=.02 m), and the association could not be explained by the examined factors. Conclusions Diabetes was associated with gait alterations in older adults. Slowed gait speed appears to be secondary to the peripheral effect of the disease on other body systems. The effect of diabetes on step width was not explained in the analyses and may be related to peripheral motor nerve function or central influences of the disease, which could not be assessed in this study.

scholarly journals Gait parameters of individuals with Parkinson disease decline during one-year period

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 7-18
Author(s):  
Kadri Medijainen ◽  
Mati Pääsuke ◽  
Aet Lukmann ◽  
Pille Taba
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson Disease ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Gait Characteristics ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Gait Function ◽  
One Year

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease, influencing mainly elderly. The key motor factor affecting the level of participation in activities of daily living is the gait function, which is known to be progressively impaired in PD. However, gait characteristics also worsen due to normal aging. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether gait parameters decline in individuals with PD in an interval of one year compared to healthy elderly. Selected gait characteristics were recorded using 3-D optoelectronic movement analysis system ELITE in 13 patients with mild-to-moderate PD and 13 age- and gender-matched controls. Hoehn and Yahr Scale and Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale were used for clinical assessment. It was found that PD patients walk with significantly shorter steps and stride and reduced gait speed. In one year, the stride length initiated with right foot and stride walk ratio further decrease in PD patients. On re-evaluation the percentages of stance, swing and double support phase differed significantly between groups. In second measurement, control subjects walked with reduced step width. It was concluded that gait speed and stride length decline in patients with PD in a period of one year, whereas no indication of deterioration of gait function is evident in healthy controls.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Changes in Temporospatial Gait Characteristics during the First Year Post-Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1648
Author(s):  
John W. Chow ◽  
Dobrivoje S. Stokic
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Gait Characteristics ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Support Time ◽  
Post Onset ◽  
Step Parameters

Given the paucity of longitudinal data in gait recovery after stroke, we compared temporospatial gait characteristics of stroke patients during subacute (<2 months post-onset, T0) and at approximately 6 and 12 months post-onset (T1 and T2, respectively) and explored the relationship between gait characteristics at T0 and the changes in gait speed from T0 to T1. Forty-six participants were assessed at T0 and a subsample of 24 participants at T2. Outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer lower-extremity motor score, 14 temporospatial gait parameters and symmetry indices of 5 step parameters. Except for step width, all temporospatial parameters improved from T0 to T1 (p ≤ 0.0001). Additionally, significant improvements in symmetry were found for the initial double-support time and single-support time (p ≤ 0.0001). Although group results at T2 were not different from those at T1, the individual analysis revealed that 42% (10/24) of the subsample showed a significant increase in gait speed. The increase in gait speed from T0 to T1 was negatively correlated with gait speed and stride length, and positively correlated with the symmetry indices of stance and single-support times at T0 (p ≤ 0.002). Temporospatial gait parameters and stance time symmetry improve over the first 6 months after stroke with an apparent plateau thereafter. Approximately 40% of the subsample continue to increase gait speed from 6 to 12 months post-stroke. A greater increase in gait speed during the first 6 months post-stroke is associated with initially slower walking, shorter stride length, and more pronounced asymmetry in stance and single-support times. The improvement in lower-extremity motor function and bilateral improvements in step parameters collectively suggest that gait changes over the first 12 months after stroke are likely due to neurological recovery, although some compensation by the non-paretic side cannot be excluded.

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