Abstract
Turning while walking is a crucial component of locomotion, often performed on irregular surfaces with little planning time. Turns can be difficult for some older adults due to physiological age-related changes. Two different turning strategies have been identified in the literature. During step turns, which are biomechanically stable, the body rotates about the outside limb, while for spin turns, generally performed with closer foot-to-foot distance, the inside limb is the main pivot point. Turning strategy preferences of older adults under challenging conditions remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine how turning strategy preference in healthy older adults is modulated by surface features, cueing time, physiological characteristics of aging, and gait parameters. Seventeen healthy older adults (71.5 ± 4.2 years) performed 90° turns for two surfaces (flat, uneven) and two cue conditions (pre-planned, late-cue). Gait parameters were identified from kinematic data. Measures of lower-limb strength, balance, and reaction-time were also recorded. Generalized linear (logistic) regression mixed-effects models examined the effect of (1) surface and cuing, (2) physiological characteristics of ageing, and (3) gait parameters on turn strategy preference. Step turns were preferred when the condition was pre-planned (p < 0.001) (model 1) and when the gait parameters of stride regularity and maximum acceleration decreased (p = 0.010 and p = 0.039, respectively) (model 3). Differences in turn strategy selection under dynamic conditions ought to be evaluated in future fall-risk research and rehabilitation utilizing real-world activity monitoring.
Highlights
Turning is a common movement, representing up to 50% of steps during daily activities (Glaister, Bernatz, Klute, & Orendurff, 2007)
The aim of this study was to determine how turning strategy preference in healthy older adults is modulated by surface features, cueing time, physiological characteristics of aging, and gait parameters
Why healthy older adults may prefer one strategy over another in different contexts is unclear; based on biomechanical considerations, it is possible that surface conditions, planning time, and physiological characteristics related to ageing may play a role in strategy choice
Summary
Turning is a common movement, representing up to 50% of steps during daily activities (Glaister, Bernatz, Klute, & Orendurff, 2007). There are stark differences in the biomechanics of these turning strategies which may have implications for turn success, turning preference, and falling in older adults. In the work of Akram et al (Akram, Frank, & Chenouri, 2010), older adults preferred step turns over spin turns through 45° and 90° at a comfortable walking speed (60 and 54%, respectively) and when turning 90° at faster than comfortable walking speed (61%). Use of spin turns could explain a cause of falling in older adults as the foot-to-foot distance during the turn is closer (Taylor, et al, 2005). Why healthy older adults may prefer one strategy over another in different contexts is unclear; based on biomechanical considerations, it is possible that surface conditions, planning time, and physiological characteristics related to ageing may play a role in strategy choice
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
