The influence of age and fall history on single transition step kinematics. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2021 Oct;89:105456
Date
09/03/2021Pubmed ID
34474313DOI
10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105456Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85114029527 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 4 CitationsAbstract
Background The risk of falls during locomotion increases with age, and step negotiation is one of the most hazardous types of gait for older adults. Further, a history of a fall is one of the strongest predictors of a future fall; and women fall more frequently, and incur greater medical costs, compared to men. The purpose of the study was to identify lower extremity kinematic factors associated with transition step clearance and foot placement in young women and older women with and without a fall history. Methods Forty-five female participants (15 per group) completed trials that consisted of walking barefoot along a raised walkway at a self-selected speed, descending a 17 cm step, and continued level ground walking. Variables of interest included lead and trail limb minimum step clearance and foot placement, and bilateral lower extremity joint positions at step clearance and at lead foot initial contact. Findings Significant group differences, with large effect sizes, were found in lead foot placement and knee flexion position at initial contact. Both older groups landed more closely to the step and made initial contact with the lead knee in a more flexed position compared to the young group. Interpretation The kinematic differences may be a strategy utilized by older adults to create an early landing to minimize time in single limb stance and compensate for age-related loss of lower extremity strength, range of motion, and/or balance. However, the greater knee flexion may also increase the risk a fall due to lead limb collapse.
Author List
Gerstle EE, O'Connor K, Keenan KG, Slavens BA, Cobb SCAuthor
Brooke Slavens BS,MS,PhD Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Accidental FallsAged
Biomechanical Phenomena
Female
Gait
Humans
Knee Joint
Lower Extremity
Male
Walking
