Gait Characteristics of Elderly People With a History of Falls: A Dynamic Approach

摘要: Background and Purpose. This study investigated changes in the kinematics of elderly people who experienced at least one fall 6 months prior to data collection. The authors hypothesized that, order decrease variability walking, with a history falls would show different kinematic adaptations their walking patterns compared no falls. Subjects Methods. Twenty-one had fallen within previous (“fallers”; mean age=72.1 years, SD=4.9) 27 (“nonfallers”; age=73.8 SD=6.4) walked preferred stride frequency (STF) as treadmill speed was gradually increased (from 0.18 m/s 1.52 m/s) then decreased steps 0.2 m/s. Gait parameter measurements were recorded, statistical analysis applied using STF independent variables. Results. Fifty-seven percent fallers unable walk fastest speed, whereas all nonfallers comfortably speeds. Although showed significantly greater STF, smaller lengths, center-of-mass lateral sway, ankle plantar flexion hip extension during push-off, they measures coordination nonfallers. Discussion Conclusion. fallers’ expected reduce less stable gait (ie, variability) Increased may be an important risk factor