Nagano, Hanatsu (2014) Understanding Gait Control Dynamics: Ageing Effects on Falling Risks. PhD thesis, Victoria University.

Abstract

Due to the ongoing trend of an ageing population in many developed countries, falls among older adults during walking are emerging as an important social healthcare issue due to high injury rates and associated medical costs. Unsuccessful recovery from balance loss leads to falls, and four critical swing phase gait events are toe-off, heel contact, minimum foot clearance (MFC) and minimum lateral margin (MLM). Dynamic balance at these four gait events were examined to characterise biomechanical evidence in older adults’ walking patterns to understand the frequent occurrence of falls. Falls prevention strategies need to be effective and practical in addition to cost advantages and ease of engagement, if a measure is to be adopted as a long-term habitual intervention. This project also investigated whether a shoe insole is effective in reducing falls risks. As insoles can be applied to any shoes at lower cost, insole interventions could possibly prove an ideal approach to falls prevention during walking.

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