Determining the characteristics of gait variability with a preferred walking speed in hypertensive and normotensive participants

Abstract

IntroductionGait variability is a measure of the changes in a person's walking pattern over time. Gait variability may be a useful marker of balance and coordination in people with hypertension. The objective of this investigation was to assess and contrast the gait variability exhibited by hypertensive and normotensive individuals at their preferred walking speed. MethodsA total of fifty-six participants {hypertensive (N = 28) and normotensive (N = 28)} were selected for this cross-sectional study. Their anthropometric characteristics were as mean age: 40.64 ± 6.24years; height 174.87 ± 3.45 cm, body weight 73.76 ± 6.63 kg; body mass index 23.34 ± 4.24 kg/m2. The automatic blood pressure monitor was utilized for the measurement of blood pressure. Gait variability was measured using a Physilog inertial sensors from GaitUp that recorded the gait variability parameters. Each participant walked on a 15-m straight and zero-level hard surface at a self-preferred speed. Anthropometric data were analyzed using a t-test. Whereas the gait variability parameters were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. ResultSignificant differences were found for anthropometric characteristics, except for the height (p = .068). The significant differences between the hypertensive and normotensive participants have been shown as variability during the complete gait performance (z = 6.54,p = .000), Asymmetry between left and right foot (z = 6.54,p = .000), full speed during gait performance (z = 6.55,p = .000) was found. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that hypertensive individuals have higher gait variability compared to normotensive individuals. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring gait variability in hypertensive individuals as it may be a useful marker for evaluating walking ability and cardiovascular health. The underlying mechanisms that lead to the greater gait variability in hypertensive people need to be further studied.