Comparison of Spatio-Temporal Parameter and Symmetry during Gait between Healthy Elderly and Young People

Abstract

Background Previous studies have examined the gait patterns of healthy elderly people who are able to walk without musculoskeletal pain, but results have been conflicting. Systemic diseases such as diabetes, depression, and hypertension, as well as musculoskeletal system dysfunction, can induce gait deterioration. Purpose The purpose of the current study was to compare velocity, cadence, step width, stride length, center of pressure (COP) and symmetry between healthy young and elderly people who had not been diagnosed with depression, hypertension, dementia, diabetes, or osteoarthritis. Study design Cross-sectional study Methods Twenty-four healthy elderly and twenty healthy young people participated in this study. A force distribution plate was used to obtain data on spatiotemporal parameters, COP, and gait symmetry. The groups were compared using independent <italic>t</italic>-tests. Results There was no significant difference in walking velocity, step width, stride length, symmetry of step length, foot rotation, length of gait, single support line, or lateral symmetry between the elderly and young groups (<italic>p</italic>&gt;0.05). However, the elderly group showed higher cadence and larger anterior–posterior sway than the young group (mean difference=8.98 steps/min, <italic>p</italic>&lt;0.01; and mean difference=5.88 mm, <italic>p</italic>=0.04, respectively). Conclusions The gait patterns of healthy elderly people without depression, hypertension, dementia, diabetes, or musculoskeletal were similar in terms of spatiotemporal parameters and symmetry to those of healthy young people, except for cadence and anterior–posterior sway. Based on these findings, clinicians should inform elderly people about the importance of maintaining fitness to prevent deterioration of gait.