Toe clearance and velocity profiles of young and elderly during walking on sloped surfaces

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Khandoker, A, Lynch, Kate, Karmakar, C, Begg, Rezaul ORCID: 0000-0002-3195-8591 and Palaniswami, M (2010) Toe clearance and velocity profiles of young and elderly during walking on sloped surfaces. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 7 (18). pp. 1-10. ISSN 1743-0003 (print) 1743-0003 (online)

Abstract

Background Most falls in older adults are reported during locomotion and tripping has been identified as a major cause of falls. Challenging environments (e.g., walking on slopes) are potential interventions for maintaining balance and gait skills. The aims of this study were: 1) to investigate whether or not distributions of two important gait variables [minimum toe clearance (MTC) and foot velocity at MTC (VelMTC)] and locomotor control strategies are altered during walking on sloped surfaces, and 2) if altered, are they maintained at two groups (young and elderly female groups). Methods MTC and VelMTC data during walking on a treadmill at sloped surfaces (+3°, 0° and -3°) were analysed for 9 young (Y) and 8 elderly (E) female subjects. Results MTC distributions were found to be positively skewed whereas VelMTC distributions were negatively skewed for both groups on all slopes. Median MTC values increased (Y = 33%, E = 7%) at negative slope but decreased (Y = 25%, E = 15%) while walking on the positive slope surface compared to their MTC values at the flat surface (0°). Analysis of VelMTC distributions also indicated significantly (p < 0.05) lower minimum and 25th percentile (Q1) values in the elderly at all slopes. Conclusion The young displayed a strong positive correlation between MTC median changes and IQR (interquartile range) changes due to walking on both slopes; however, such correlation was weak in the older adults suggesting differences in control strategies being employed to minimize the risk of tripping.

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Item type Article
URI https://vuir.vu.edu.au/id/eprint/7224
DOI 10.1186/1743-0003-7-18
Official URL http://www.jneuroengrehab.com/content/7/1/18
Subjects Historical > FOR Classification > 1106 Human Movement and Sports Science
Historical > SEO Classification > 970111 Expanding Knowledge in the Medical and Health Sciences
Historical > Faculty/School/Research Centre/Department > Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL)
Keywords ResPubID20255, elderly, sloped surfaces, tripping, foot velocity, walking gait, locomotor control strategies
Citations in Scopus 23 - View on Scopus
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