scholarly journals A cross-sectional study of foot-ground clearance in healthy community dwelling Japanese cohorts aged 50, 60 and 70 years

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanatsu Nagano ◽  
W. A. Sparrow ◽  
Katsuyoshi Mizukami ◽  
Eri Sarashina ◽  
Rezaul Begg
Keyword(s):  
Contact Angle ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Step Width ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Ground Clearance

Abstract Background Falls-related injuries are particularly serious for older people, causing pain, reduced community engagement and associated medical costs. Tripping is the leading cause of falls and the current study examined whether minimum ground clearance (MFC) of the swing foot, indicating high tripping risk, would be differentiated across cohorts of healthy 50-, 60- and 70-years old community residents in Japan. Methods A cross-sectional population comprising the three groups (50s, 60s and 70s) of 123 Konosu City residents consented to be recorded when walking on an unobstructed surface at preferred speed. Gait biomechanics was measured using high speed (100 Hz) motion capture (OptiTrack – Natural Point Inc.), including step length and width, double support, foot contact angle and MFC (swing toe height above the ground). Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to confirm ageing effects on MFC and fundamental gait parameters. Pearson’s correlations were performed to identify the relationships between mean MFC and other MFC characteristics (SD and SI), step length, step width, double support time and foot contact angle. Results Compared to 50s, lower step length was seen (2.69 cm and 6.15 cm) for 60s and 70s, respectively. No other statistical effects were identified for spatio-temporal parameters between the three groups. The 50s cohort MFC was also significantly higher than 60s and 70s, while step-to-step MFC variability was greater in the 70s than 50s and 60s. Pearson’s correlations demonstrated that more symmetrical gait patterns were associated with greater MFC height, as reflected in greater symmetry in step width (50s), MFC (60s) and foot contact angle (70s). In the 70s increased MFC height correlated with higher MFC variability and reduced foot contact angle. Conclusions MFC height reduces from 60 years but more variable MFC appears later, from 70 years. While symmetrical gait was accompanied by increased MFC height, in the 70s group attempts to increase MFC height may have caused more MFC variability and lower foot contact angles, compromising foot-ground clearance. Assessments of swing foot mechanics may be a useful component of community falls prevention.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study of Foot-Ground Clearance in Healthy Community Dwelling Japanese Cohorts Aged 50, 60 and 70 Years

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanatsu Nagano ◽  
William Anthony Sparrow ◽  
Katsuyoshi Mizukami ◽  
Eri Sarashina ◽  
Rezaul Begg
Keyword(s):  
Contact Angle ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Step Width ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Ground Clearance

Abstract Background Falls-related injuries are particularly serious for older people, causing pain, reduced community engagement and associated medical costs. Tripping is the leading cause of falls and the current study examined whether minimum ground clearance (MFC) of the swing foot, indicating high tripping risk, would be differentiated across cohorts of healthy 50-, 60- and 70-years old community residents in Japan.Methods A cross-sectional population comprising the three groups (50s, 60s and 70s) of 123 Konosu City residents consented to be recorded when walking on an unobstructed surface at preferred speed. Gait biomechanics was measured using high speed (100 Hz) motion capture (OptiTrack – Natural Point Inc.), including step length and width, double support, foot contact angle and MFC (swing toe height above the ground). Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to confirm ageing effects on MFC and fundamental gait parameters. Pearson's correlations were performed to identify the relationships between mean MFC and other MFC characteristics (SD and SI), step length, step width, double support time and foot contact angle. Results Compared to 50s, lower step length was seen (2.69cm and 6.15cm) for 60s and 70s, respectively. No other statistical effects were identified for spatio-temporal parameters between the three groups. The 50s cohort MFC was also significantly higher than 60s and 70s, while step-to-step MFC variability was greater in the 70s than 50s and 60s. Pearson’s correlations demonstrated that more symmetrical gait patterns were associated with greater MFC height, as reflected in greater symmetry in step width (50s), MFC (60s) and foot contact angle (70s).. In the 70s increased MFC height correlated with higher MFC variability and reduced foot contact angle. Conclusion MFC height reduces from 60 years but more variable MFC appears later, from 70 years. While symmetrical gait was accompanied by increased MFC height, in the 70s group attempts to increase MFC height may have caused more MFC variability and lower foot contact angles, compromising foot-ground clearance. Assessments of swing foot mechanics may be a useful component of community falls prevention.

scholarly journals Ageing Effects on Tripping Risk: The Foot-Ground Clearance of Healthy Community Dwelling Japanese Cohorts Aged 50, 60 and 70 Years

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanatsu Nagano ◽  
William Anthony Sparrow ◽  
Katsuyoshi Mizukami ◽  
Eri Sarashina ◽  
Rezaul Begg
Keyword(s):  
Contact Angle ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Ground Clearance ◽  
Ageing Effects ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Abstract BackgroundFalls-related injuries are particularly serious for older people, causing pain, reduced community engagement and associated medical costs. Tripping is the leading cause of falls and the current study examined whether minimum ground clearance (MFC) of the swing foot, indicating high tripping risk, would be differentiated across cohorts of healthy 50-, 60- and 70-years old community residents in Japan.MethodsThree groups (50s, 60s and 70s) of 123 Konosu City residents consented to be recorded when walking on an unobstructed surface at preferred speed. Gait biomechanics was measured using high speed (100 Hz) motion capture (OptiTrack – Natural Point Inc.), including step length and width, double support, foot contact angle and MFC (swing toe height above the ground). Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to confirm ageing effects on MFC and fundamental gait parameters. Pearson's correlations were performed to identify the relationships between mean MFC and other MFC characteristics (SD and SI), step length, step width, double support time and foot contact angle. ResultsCompared to 50s, lower step length was seen (2.69cm and 6.15cm) for 60s and 70s, respectively. No other statistical effects were identified for spatio-temporal parameters between the three groups. The 50s cohort MFC was also significantly higher than 60s and 70s, while step-to-step MFC variability was greater in the 70s than 50s and 60s. Pearson’s correlations demonstrated more symmetrical gait associated with greater MFC height. In the 70s increased MFC height correlated with higher MFC variability and reduced foot contact angle. ConclusionMFC height reduces from 60 years but more variable MFC appears later, from 70 years. While symmetrical gait was accompanied by increased MFC height, in the 70s group attempts to increase MFC height may have caused more MFC variability and lower foot contact angles, compromising foot-ground clearance. Assessments of swing foot mechanics may be a useful component of community falls prevention.

scholarly journals 129 Effects of Physical Capacity, Executive Function, Mental Health and Polypharmacy on Gait and Falls Risks among Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv28-iv33
Author(s):  
Eri Sarashina ◽  
Katsuyoshi Mizukami ◽  
Rezaul Begg ◽  
Hanatsu Nagano
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Contact Angle ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Step Width ◽  
Ageing Society ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Physical Tests ◽  
Fundamental Physical

Abstract Falls prevention is an important healthcare topic in an ageing society due to serious and costly injuries. Gait biomechanics utilising 3D motion capture system can possibly identify fall-prone walking patterns. It is, therefore, important to reveal factors for negative gait changes and higher falls risks. A total of 54 community-dwelling senior citizens undertook a series of examinations: (i) fundamental gait assessment - step length, step width, double support time; (ii) the risk of tripping falls - minimum foot clearance (MFC); (iii) flat-foot contact - foot contact angle; (iv) fundamental physical tests - grip strength, functional reach, one-leg standing; (v) executive function - trail making test-A; (vi) Psychological health - General Health Questionnaire 12; (vii) falls history and (viii) polypharmacy. Pearson’s correlations were computed between gait data and the other potentially related factors. A reduced number of drugs (r = -.353, p < .01) and prolonged one-leg standing i.e. improved balance (r =.333, p < .05) demonstrated interlinks with greater step length, indicating the overall gait health. Step length was also strongly correlated with foot contact angle (r = .537, p < .01), which was further associated with one leg standing (r = .339, < .05). The risk of tripping (MFC) showed interrelations with one leg standing (r = .273, < .05) and functional reach (r = .289, < .05). Furthermore, step width was also correlated with one leg standing (r = -.289, < .05) and functional reach (r = -.278, < .05). Balance control capacity (one leg standing) and flexibility (functional reach) may be, therefore, closely related to gait control and tripping risks. While fundamental physical tests thus adequately reflected gait data, mental health and executive function were not correlated with gait data in the current study. Further investigation with a larger sample size will be required.

The Effect of Surface Wettability on Viscous Film Deposition

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandru Herescu ◽  
Jeffrey S. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Contact Angle ◽  
Film Thickness ◽  
Capillary Number ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Glass Tube ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Film Deposition ◽  
Surface Wettability ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Uniqueness Of The Solution

The viscous deposition of a liquid film on the inside of a capillary has been experimentally investigated with a focus on the relationship between the film thickness and surface wettability. With distilled water as a working fluid tests were run in a 622 microns diameter glass tube with contact angles of 30° and 105°, respectively. In the first set of experiments the tube was uncoated while in the second set a fluoropolymer coating was applied to increase the contact angle. A film thickness dependence with the contact angle θ (surface wettability) as well as the Capillary number in the form hR ∼ Ca2/3/cosθ is inferred from scaling arguments. For partial wetting it may explain the existence of a thicker film for nonzero contact angle. It was further found that the non-wetting case of 105° contact angle deviates significantly from the existing theories, the film thickness presenting a weak dependence with the Capillary number. This deviation as well as the apparent non-uniqueness of the solution is thought to be caused by the film instability (rupture) observed during the tests. The thickness of the deposited film as a function of the Capillary number was estimated from the liquid mass exiting the capillary and the gas-liquid interface (meniscus) velocity, and compared to Bretherton’s data and a correlation proposed by Quere. The film thickness measurements as well as the meniscus velocity were determined with the aid of a Photron high speed camera with 10000 frames per second sampling capability coupled with a Nikon TE-2000 inverted microscope and a Precisa electronic balance.

scholarly journals Feasibility of Using Foot–Ground Clearance Biofeedback Training in Treadmill Walking for Post-Stroke Gait Rehabilitation

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 978
Author(s):  
Hanatsu Nagano ◽  
Catherine M. Said ◽  
Lisa James ◽  
Rezaul K. Begg
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Gait Training ◽  
Treadmill Walking ◽  
Biofeedback Training ◽  
Step Width ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Foot Clearance

Hemiplegic stroke often impairs gait and increases falls risk during rehabilitation. Tripping is the leading cause of falls, but the risk can be reduced by increasing vertical swing foot clearance, particularly at the mid-swing phase event, minimum foot clearance (MFC). Based on previous reports, real-time biofeedback training may increase MFC. Six post-stroke individuals undertook eight biofeedback training sessions over a month, in which an infrared marker attached to the front part of the shoe was tracked in real-time, showing vertical swing foot motion on a monitor installed in front of the subject during treadmill walking. A target increased MFC range was determined, and participants were instructed to control their MFC within the safe range. Gait assessment was conducted three times: Baseline, Post-training and one month from the final biofeedback training session. In addition to MFC, step length, step width, double support time and foot contact angle were measured. After biofeedback training, increased MFC with a trend of reduced step-to-step variability was observed. Correlation analysis revealed that MFC height of the unaffected limb had interlinks with step length and ankle angle. In contrast, for the affected limb, step width variability and MFC height were positively correlated. The current pilot-study suggested that biofeedback gait training may reduce tripping falls for post-stroke individuals.

Dynamics of Contact Angle During Growth and Liftoff of Bubbles at a Single Nucleation Site in Flow Boiling

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wangcun Jia ◽  
Vijay K. Dhir
Keyword(s):  
Contact Angle ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Flow Boiling ◽  
Nucleation Site ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Wafer Surface ◽  
Photographic Images ◽  
Flow Boiling Heat Transfer ◽  
Processing Program

Contact angle is a critical parameter needed in the mechanistic models for the prediction of flow boiling heat transfer. In this paper, variations of upstream and downstream contact angles for a single vapor bubble in flow boiling on horizontal and vertical surfaces were investigated experimentally. The nucleation site is a well-characterized cavity, which was etched on a highly polished silicon wafer surface using micro-fabrication techniques. Water at one atmosphere pressure was used as the working fluid. Photographic images of the bubble were recorded during its inception, growth and liftoff by using high-speed video system and analyzed by an image-processing program. The results provide clean data on the dependence of upstream and downstream contact angles on surface orientation and flow velocity.

Falls Risks and Prevention Behaviors Among Community-Dwelling Homebound and Non-Homebound Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1085-1106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carri Casteel ◽  
Jennifer Jones ◽  
Paula Gildner ◽  
James M. Bowling ◽  
Susan J. Blalock
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Homebound Older Adults ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

The objectives were to examine falls risk factors to determine how the magnitude of risk may differ between homebound and non-homebound older adults, and to describe falls prevention behaviors and participation in falls prevention education. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with convenience samples of community-dwelling older adults recruited through Meals on Wheels programs (homebound, n = 80) and senior centers (non-homebound, n = 84) in North Carolina. Data were collected during home visits and included an interview and medication inventory. Multivariate negative binomial regression with robust variance estimation modeled risk factors for falls. Risk factors for falls observed in both the homebound and non-homebound populations are consistent with what is known in the literature. However, the magnitude of the risk was higher in the homebound than in the non-homebound population with respect to vision impairments, number of high-risk and over-the-counter medications, and use of walking aids .Few participants reported participating in a falls prevention program.

scholarly journals GAIT VELOCITY AND STEP LENGTH MAY DISCRIMINATE ACTIVE FROM SEDENTARY ELDERLY WOMEN

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno De Souza Moreira ◽  
Renata Noce Kirkwood ◽  
Andréa De Jesus Lopes ◽  
Rosângela Corrêa Dias ◽  
Rosana Ferreira Sampaio
Keyword(s):  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Gait Velocity ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Double Support ◽  
Sedentary Group ◽  
Data Variability

Gait is an important functional activity that elderly individuals used to stay active and be ableto perform their daily living tasks. The purpose of this study was to determine what gait parameterscould discriminate a group of community-dwelling elderly women regularly enrolledin a physical exercise program compared to a paired sedentary group. Participated 145women (65 to 83 years) separated into two groups based on the guidelines of the AmericanCollege of Sports Medicine (2007): sedentary (n = 52) and active (n = 93). Eight gait variableswere recorded using the GAITRite® system (velocity normalized by length of lower limbs, stancetime, swing time, double support time, step time, step length, base width and cadence).Factorial analysis followed by discriminant analysis was performed to determine which variablescould best discriminate the sedentary group from the active group. Factorial analysisresulted in 4 factors which explained 98.7% of the data variability. Factor 3 (composed of steplength and velocity) explained 11.8% of the data variability and was the only factor to discriminatethe groups. When the original variables from Factor 3 were analyzed, gait velocity wasthe most discriminant variable, with a much higher discriminant coeffi cient (-0.999) than steplength (-0.022). Gait velocity and step length could be used as a screening tool to discriminatebetween active and sedentary elderly women.

scholarly journals 217 Investigating the Delivery of Falls Prevention Interventions to Older People Following Multi-Factorial Risk Assessment: A Cross-sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii1-iii16
Author(s):  
Rebecca Dennehy ◽  
Patrick J Barry ◽  
Kieran A O'Connor ◽  
Finola Cronin ◽  
Spencer Turvey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Older People ◽  
Waiting Times ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Prevention Interventions

Abstract Background Falls are one of the most common threats to older peoples’ independence. In Ireland, approximately one in three adults aged ≥65 years fall each year. Multifactorial interventions, which include an assessment of an individual's risk of falling followed by customised interventions or referral have been shown to reduce the rate of falls among community-dwelling older people. As part of an Integrated Falls Prevention Pathway initiated in 2016, six multidisciplinary risk assessment clinics were established in Cork city and county. The aim of this study is to examine whether recommended follow-on interventions were received following a falls risk assessment in the community. Methods Routinely collected administrative data for clients who attended a falls risk assessment clinic are being collated. Data include client demographics, onward referrals, waiting times and receipt of intervention. A process map of the patient pathway following a falls risk assessment is under development and will be refined based on the study findings. Results Preliminary analysis of a two-year implementation period (April 2016-2018) indicates that following assessment, clients received an average of 2.4 onward referrals. Most referrals were made to general practice (29%, n=315), community physiotherapy (25%, n=272), and community occupational therapy (15%, n=165). Other referrals were to public health nurses (n=104, 10%) and falls prevention classes (n=60, 6%). Further analysis will identify the percentage of individuals who receive interventions, the type of interventions received, the percentage of patients who do not attend and the waiting lists. Conclusion The Integrated Falls Prevention Service is the sole example of an operational integrated falls pathway in Ireland. This research will identify potential roadblocks for providers and clients along the pathway and will identify opportunities to. The results will also be used to inform service planning and resource allocation to ensure that this model of care is sustainable.

“Are Your Clients Having Fun?” The Implications of Respondents’ Preferences for the Delivery of Group Exercise Programs for Falls Prevention

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy McPhate ◽  
Emily M. Simek ◽  
Terry P. Haines ◽  
Keith D. Hill ◽  
Caroline F. Finch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Group Exercise ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Framework Approach

Background:Group exercise has been shown to be effective in preventing falls; however, adherence to these interventions is often poor. Older adults’ preferences for how these programs can be delivered are unknown.Objective:To identify older people’s preferences for how group exercise programs for falls prevention can be delivered.Design:A two-wave, cross-sectional, state-wide telephone survey was undertaken. Respondents were community-dwelling men and women aged 70+ in Victoria, Australia.Methods:Open-ended questions were asked to elicit information regarding respondent preferences of the program, which were analyzed using a framework approach.Results:Ninetyseven respondents completed the follow-up survey. The results indicate that older adults most frequently report the short-term advantages and disadvantages when describing their preferences for group exercise, such as enjoyment, social interaction, and leader qualities. Longer-term advantages such as falls prevention were described less frequently.Conclusions:This study indicates the importance of interpersonal skills, and that the opportunity for social interaction should not be overlooked as a positive feature of a group exercise program.

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