Comparison of Center of Mass Movement During Level, Incline and Decline Gait Between Young and Older Adults

Abstract

0353 Analyzing whole body center of mass (WBCOM) kinematics during gait provides insight concerning dynamic postural control mechanisms. While level gait has been previously considered, incline/decline gait has not been analyzed. PURPOSE: To compare WBCOM kinematics during level, incline (I) (11°), and decline (D) (11°) gait. METHODS: Kinematic data for 13 body segments was collected while healthy, young (n = 16) and older (n = 16) adults traversed across each surface using a self-selected pace. Three-dimensional WBCOM position was calculated by combining the kinematic data with respective anthropometric data. During the I and D conditions, the global coordinates were rotated so the plane of progression matched the support surface. Qualitative analyses of the time-normalized data revealed high intra-subject variability for anterior-posterior WBCOM movement. Eight dependent variables were selected for statistical analyses (P < .01): gait velocity, peak linear medial-lateral and vertical displacement, and the time (% cycle time) for each minima and maxima peak. RESULTS: Results yielded only one age-related difference across all variables (% cycle time for first vertical peak). Gait velocity was different between the conditions (level<incline<decline). Greater medial-lateral peak displacement occurred than vertical. Both medial-lateral peaks and the second vertical maxima peak occurred earlier during decline compared to incline. In contrast, the first vertical maxima peak was delayed during decline and incline (decline<incline<level). CONCLUSIONS: Similar WBCOM movement occurs between healthy young and older adults walking at a self-selected pace across incline, decline and level surfaces. Incline and decline surfaces are associated with changes in the timing of WBCOM movement, however neither surface changed the amount of displacement.