Abstract
Background: Accidental falls are caused by sudden perturbations, and thus, quick and well-organized stepping responses are needed. Stepping is one of the most important motions for avoiding falls in elderly patients. We sought to analyze foot motion during the volitional steps of older adults and compare it with that of younger adults. Methods: Eighteen healthy older adults (age: 70.8 ± 3.2 years) and 22 younger adults (age: 20.2 ± 0.3 years) were included in this study. The subjects crossed over a lateral obstacle 10 times, keeping the motion as consistent as possible. An infrared reflective marker, placed on the subjects’ heels, recorded motion through a three-dimensional motion analysis system. A clinical sensory test for knee proprioception was performed and the difference between the target and the actual angle of the subjects was calculated using an electrical goniometer. Results: The results of the motion analysis indicated that the trajectories of the heels in older adults were not consistent compared with that of young adults (p< 0.05). Unfortunately, the clinical sensory test and the time-series analysis of knee angle change were unable to detect a decline in the proprioceptive function of the knee. Conclusion: We believe that knee flexor muscles lack coordination in terms of eccentric contractions. This decline of coordination could cause the descending period to extend, which is the time from the top of the trajectory of the heel to the finish of the normalized motion. We also believe that the change in motion may indicate compensatory mechanisms for aging. This information can be useful for designing fall prevention exercises for the elderly population.
Highlights
The incidence of fall-related accidents is rising annually due to the increase in the aging population
The results of the motion analysis indicated that the trajectories of the heels in older adults were not consistent compared with that of young adults (p< 0.05)
We believe that knee flexor muscles lack coordination in terms of eccentric contractions
Summary
The incidence of fall-related accidents is rising annually due to the increase in the aging population. Falls cause significant mental and physical problems that require a lengthy recovery period. Preventing falls can lead to the improvement of the quality-of-life (QOL) of older adults and reduce medical costs. Sparto et al reported that postural responses in older adults are variable, compared with young adults[ 8]. Caetano et al reported that older adults were less accurate when performing stepping motions [9]. It is necessary to clarify the characteristics of variable and inaccurate motion in older adults from a kinematical stand point. Consistent foot motion is needed to achieve clearance from an obstacle during the crossing motion
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