Search

Despite the general perception that women and men walk differently, little is known about the reasons for these differences, especially in older adults. Previous work on gender differences in older adults has focused on spatiotemporal parameters. This study aims to assess gender-related differences in gait spatiotemporal and quality parameters when walking on a flat walkway at two different self-selected speeds: comfortable and fast. Sensorimotor abilities (Strength, agility, standing balance, reaction time) were also compared by gender, and gender-specific associations between spatiotemporal and sensorimotor parameters and gait quality were studied. Two tri-axial accelerometers were used at head and pelvis levels to investigate spatiotemporal parameters (step length, velocity and cadence), and gait quality (harmonic ratios (HR) and attenuation of accelerations between body levels) in 122 older adults (90 women, 69.7±5.1 y.o. and 32 men, 71.6±6.4 y.o.). Both men and women walked with similar speed; however women presented faster cadence and shorter steps than men at both walking speeds. Women also walked with greater vertical HR (head and pelvis), mediolateral pelvis HR, and attenuation (mediolateral and anteroposterior) than men. Women had better control of standing balance on foam (eyes open and closed) and tandem test. Moreover, balance on foam, tandem test, step length and cadence were associated to gender-specific gait quality parameters. The aging process seems to be affecting men and women differently, thus, gender differences should be considered when preparing intervention programs to improve balance and gait in older populations or when establishing normative data for balance and gait in older adults., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Despite the common situation of walking on different sloped terrains, previous work on gait has focused on level terrain. This study aims to assess whether any age-related differences exist in spatiotemporal and stability parameters when walking downhill on three different sloped walkways. Two tri-axial accelerometers were used at the levels of head and pelvis to investigate spatiotemporal parameters, magnitude (root mean square, RMS), harmonic content of accelerations (harmonic ratios, HR) and attenuation between body levels (ATT) in 35 older adults (OA, 69 ± 4.5 y.o.) and 22 young adults (YA, 22.1 ± 1.9 y.o.). Older adults walked at the same speed and cadence as young adults in flat terrain (FL, 0%) and moderate hill (MH, 8%). In the highest slope (PH, 20%), older adults reduced speed and step length and both groups increased cadence. Age had no effect on attenuation and RMS profiles. RMS increased with slope in all directions at both head and pelvis, except, for medio-lateral direction (ML), with similar head RMS in all slopes. There is an important shift in ATT from anteroposterior direction (AP) to ML at the highest slope, resulting in smaller antero-posterior attenuation and greater medio-lateral attenuation. Age differences appeared in the smoothness (HR) at the flat terrain, with increased vertical and antero-posterior values for young adults. As slope increased, group differences disappeared and HR decreased for all directions of motion. In general, spatiotemporal adaptations to increased slope seem to be part of a mechanism to improve ML attenuation, in both young and old adults., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Standing balance is an important motor task. Postural instability associated with age typically arises from deterioration of peripheral sensory systems. The modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration for Balance and the Tandem test have been used to screen for balance. Timed tests present some limitations, whereas quantification of the motions of the center of pressure (CoP) with portable and inexpensive equipment may help to improve the sensitivity of these tests and give the possibility of widespread use. This study determines the validity and reliability of the Wii Balance Board (Wii BB) to quantify CoP motions during the mentioned tests. Thirty-seven older adults completed three repetitions of five balance conditions: eyes open, eyes closed, eyes open on a compliant surface, eyes closed on a compliant surface, and tandem stance, all performed on a force plate and a Wii BB simultaneously. Twenty participants repeated the trials for reliability purposes. CoP displacement was the main outcome measure. Regression analysis indicated that the Wii BB has excellent concurrent validity, and Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between devices with small mean differences and no relationship between the difference and the mean. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) indicated modest-to-excellent test-retest reliability (ICC=0.64-0.85). Standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were similar for both devices, except the 'eyes closed' condition, with greater standard error of measurement for the Wii BB. In conclusion, the Wii BB is shown to be a valid and reliable method to quantify CoP displacement in older adults.