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

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.

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Synthesis of a complete sagittal gait cycle for a five-link biped robot

Robotica ◽

10.1017/s0263574702004903 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 21 (5) ◽

pp. 581-587 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Xiuping Mu ◽

Qiong Wu

Keyword(s):

Constraint Equation ◽

Biped Robot ◽

Step Length ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

System Stability ◽

Heel Strike ◽

Motion Patterns ◽

Double Support ◽

Constraint Equations ◽

The Impact

This paper presents a method for synthesising the joint profiles for a planar five-link biped walking on flat ground. Both single support and double support phases are considered. The joint profiles have been determined based on constraint equations cast in terms of step length, step period, maximum step height and so on. A special constraint equation is developed to eliminate the destabilising effect of the impact (heel strike) occurring in the system. Other advantages of our joint profiles include system stability during the double support phase and repeatability of gait. The method of formulating compatible trajectories of the hip and swing limb is employed. We demonstrate the advantages of this method over the one of direct formulation of the joint profiles in that it not only significantly simplifies the problem by de-coupling the biped into three subsystems (a trunk and two lower limbs), but also allows the incorporation of certain constraints without drastically increasing the complexity of the constraint equations. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using computer simulations. We believe that this research can provide a valuable tool for generating motion patterns of bipedal gait.

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

10.21203/rs.3.rs-54741/v1 ◽

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.

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The effect of a multi-modal boxing exercise program on cognitive locomotor tasks and gait in persons with Parkinson disease

Neurorehabilitation ◽

10.3233/nre-210218 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Staci Shearin ◽

Michael Braitsch ◽

Ross Querry

Keyword(s):

Parkinson Disease ◽

Dual Task ◽

Step Length ◽

Gait Variability ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Functional Mobility ◽

Gait Velocity ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Walking Velocity ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND: Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disease resulting in motor impairments, postural instability, and gait alterations which may result in self-care limitations and loss of mobility reducing quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This study’s purpose was to determine the impact of a community-based boxing program on gait parameters, dual task and backwards walking in individuals with PD. METHODS: This study included 26 community dwelling individuals with PD who participated in 12-week boxing classes (1 hour, 2 times a week). The focus was on upper/lower extremity exercises using punching bags, agility drills, and strengthening activities. Pre/post testing was performed for dual task and gait parameters and was analyzed using t-tests. RESULTS: Analysis of the scores indicated participants performed significantly better at post-test compared to pre-test on self-selected walking velocity (P = 0.041), cadence (P = 0.021); backwards walking velocity (P = 0.003), step length (P = 0.022); dual task walking velocity (P = 0.044), step length (P = 0.023), and gait variability index (P = 0.008). No significant differences for fast walking. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-modal boxing produced improvements in gait velocity, dual task velocity, step length, and gait variability, as well as backwards walking velocity and step length. These improvements may impact independence with functional mobility and may improve safety but require further studies.

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

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-021-02117-w ◽

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.

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Changes in Gait Pattern During Smartphone and Tablet Use

Iranian Rehabilitation Journal ◽

10.32598/irj.18.4.1108.1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 475-484

Author(s):

Sirinthip Pakdee ◽

◽

Praphatson Sengsoon ◽

Keyword(s):

Text Message ◽

Step Length ◽

Gait Pattern ◽

Gait Velocity ◽

Stride Time ◽

Normal Walking ◽

Time Step ◽

Gait Patterns ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Smartphone Use

Objectives: There exists no study concerning gait pattern while engaging in dual-task activities on different sizes of mobile devices. The present study aimed to compare gait patterns during normal walking, walking with smartphone use, and walking with tablet use. Methods: Seventeen healthy female participants with an age range of 19-24 years (Mean±SD age: 20.29±1.61 years, weight: 49.82±4.46 kg, height: 156.59±4.87 cm, body mass index: 20.47±0.84 kg/m2, and leg length: 81.35±3.79 cm.) participated in the present research. The study subjects were requested to walk for 10 meters under the following conditions: normal walking; walking while typing a text message with a smartphone, and walking while typing a text message with a tablet. The Vicon® Three-Dimensional (3D) motion analysis recorded the motion of reflective markers attached to the study participant’s body. Gait parameters (step length, stride length, step time, stride time, step width, velocity, and cadence) were compared between the explored walking conditions. Results: The gait parameter of normal walking, compared with walking during smartphone use as well as tablet use were significantly different in the gait pattern (P<0.05). Using either a smartphone or tablet during walking presented decreased step length for legs, gait velocity, and cadence. However, there was an increase in the right leg’s step time and stride time. Moreover, there was no significant difference in gait patterns between walking during smartphone use and walking during tablet use (P>0.05). Discussion: Changes in gait pattern during walking while typing a text message with either a smartphone or tablet may lead to greater attention and concentration required to type the message; such actions resulted in decreased gait speed and step length.

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

10.21203/rs.3.rs-54741/v2 ◽

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.

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Physical Characteristics Vary According to Body Mass Index in Japanese Community-Dwelling Elderly Women

Geriatrics ◽

10.3390/geriatrics3040087 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 87 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Koji Nonaka ◽

Shin Murata ◽

Kayoko Shiraiwa ◽

Teppei Abiko ◽

Hideki Nakano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Elderly Women ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Physical Characteristics ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Weight Group ◽

Normal Weight Group ◽

Knee Extension Strength

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is related to health in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical characteristics in underweight, overweight, and obese Japanese community-dwelling elderly women compared to normal-weight elderly women. Methods: The study participants included 212 community-dwelling elderly women. They were categorized as underweight (BMI < 18.5), normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI ≤ 22.9), overweight (23 ≤ BMI ≤ 24.9), and obese (BMI ≥ 25). Data on skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), number of trunk curl-ups performed within 30 seconds, knee extension strength, one-leg standing time, and walking speed were recorded. Results: In the underweight group, the number of trunk curl-ups was significantly lower than that of the normal-weight group (p = 0.011) and the correlation between knee extension strength and walking speed was relatively higher than in the normal-weight group (r = 0.612 vs. r = 0.471). In the overweight group, the SMI was significantly increased (p < 0.001), but knee extension strength was not increased (p = 0.235) compared to that of the normal-weight group. In the obese group, one-leg standing time was significantly shorter than in the normal-weight group (p = 0.016). Conclusions: Physical characteristics vary according to BMI and these findings are useful in assessing and planning interventional programs to improve and maintain physical function in elderly women.

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Gait and Balance Changes with Investigational Peripheral Nerve Cell Therapy during Deep Brain Stimulation in People with Parkinson’s Disease

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11040500 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 500

Author(s):

Geetanjali Gera ◽

Zain Guduru ◽

Tritia Yamasaki ◽

Julie A. Gurwell ◽

Monica J. Chau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Deep Brain Stimulation ◽

Peripheral Nerve ◽

Brain Stimulation ◽

Step Length ◽

Gait Velocity ◽

Balance Performance ◽

Improved Performance ◽

Deep Brain

Background: The efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) and dopaminergic therapy is known to decrease over time. Hence, a new investigational approach combines implanting autologous injury-activated peripheral nerve grafts (APNG) at the time of bilateral DBS surgery to the globus pallidus interna. Objectives: In a study where APNG was unilaterally implanted into the substantia nigra, we explored the effects on clinical gait and balance assessments over two years in 14 individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Methods: Computerized gait and balance evaluations were performed without medication, and stimulation was in the off state for at least 12 h to best assess the role of APNG implantation alone. We hypothesized that APNG might improve gait and balance deficits associated with PD. Results: While people with a degenerative movement disorder typically worsen with time, none of the gait parameters significantly changed across visits in this 24 month study. The postural stability item in the UPDRS did not worsen from baseline to the 24-month follow-up. However, we measured gait and balance improvements in the two most affected individuals, who had moderate PD. In these two individuals, we observed an increase in gait velocity and step length that persisted over 6 and 24 months. Conclusions: Participants did not show worsening of gait and balance performance in the off therapy state two years after surgery, while the two most severely affected participants showed improved performance. Further studies may better address the long-term maintanenace of these results.

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Comparison of Lateral Perturbation-Induced Step Training and Hip Muscle Strengthening Exercise on Balance and Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

The Journals of Gerontology Series A ◽

10.1093/gerona/glab017 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mark W Rogers ◽

Robert A Creath ◽

Vicki Gray ◽

Janice Abarro ◽

Sandy McCombe Waller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Step Length ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Balance Performance ◽

Muscle Strengthening ◽

Hip Muscle ◽

Hip Abduction ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Background This factorial, assessor-blinded, randomized, and controlled study compared the effects of perturbation-induced step training (lateral waist-pulls), hip muscle strengthening, and their combination, on balance performance, muscle strength, and prospective falls among older adults. Methods Community-dwelling older adults were randomized to 4 training groups. Induced step training (IST, n = 25) involved 43 progressive perturbations. Hip abduction strengthening (HST, n = 25) utilized progressive resistance exercises. Combined training (CMB, n = 25) included IST and HST, and the control performed seated flexibility/relaxation exercises (SFR, n = 27). The training involved 36 sessions for a period of 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were the number of recovery steps and first step length, and maximum hip abduction torque. Fall frequency during 12 months after training was determined. Results Overall, the number of recovery steps was reduced by 31% and depended upon the first step type. IST and CMB increased the rate of more stable single lateral steps pre- and post-training than HST and SFR who used more multiple crossover and sequential steps. The improved rate of lateral steps for CMB exceeded the control (CMB/SFR rate ratio 2.68). First step length was unchanged, and HST alone increased hip torque by 25%. Relative to SFR, the fall rate ratios (falls/person/year) [95% confidence interval] were CMB 0.26 [0.07–0.90], IST 0.44 [0.18–1.08], and HST 0.30 (0.10–0.91). Conclusions Balance performance through stepping was best improved by combining perturbation and strength training and not strengthening alone. The interventions reduced future falls by 56%–74% over the control. Lateral balance perturbation training may enhance traditional programs for fall prevention.

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Regional Associations of Cortical Thickness With Gait Variability: The Tasmanian Study of Cognition and Gait

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.750 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 232-233

Author(s):

Oshadi Jayakody ◽

Monique Breslin ◽

Richard Beare ◽

Velandai Srikanth ◽

Helena Blumen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cortical Thickness ◽

Step Length ◽

Gait Variability ◽

Thickness Ratio ◽

Sensory Function ◽

Time Variability ◽

Step Width ◽

Time Step ◽

Cortical Regions ◽

Regional Associations

Abstract Gait variability is a marker of cognitive decline. However, there is limited understanding of the cortical regions associated with gait variability. We examined associations between regional cortical thickness and gait variability in a population-based sample of older people without dementia. Participants (n=350, mean age 71.9±7.1) were randomly selected from the electoral roll. Variability in step time, step length, step width and double support time (DST) were calculated as the standard deviation of each measure, obtained from the GAITRite walkway. MRI scans were processed through FreeSurfer to obtain cortical thickness of 68 regions. Bayesian regression was used to determine regional associations of mean cortical thickness and thickness ratio (regional thickness/overall mean thickness) with gait variability. Smaller overall cortical thickness was only associated with greater step width and step time variability. Smaller mean thickness in widespread regions important for sensory, cognitive and motor functions were associated with greater step width and step time variability. In contrast, smaller thickness in a few frontal and temporal regions were associated with DST variability and the right cuneus was associated with step length variability. Smaller thickness ratio in frontal and temporal regions important for motor planning, execution and sensory function and, greater thickness ratio in the anterior cingulate was associated with greater variability in all measures. Examining individual cortical regions is important in understanding the relationship between gray matter and gait variability. Cortical thickness ratio highlights that smaller regional thickness relative to global thickness may be important for the consistency of gait.

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