Abstract
IntroductionMedio-lateral stability during walking turns relies on the interaction between precise weight shifts of the body and changes in base of support by regulating step width. Although older adults and clinical populations often slow down while turning in order to compensate for balance impairments, little is known about the influence of walking speed on stability during turning.ObjectiveTo compare medio-lateral stability between walking turns and straight walking and to investigate whether walking speed affects medio-lateral stability during turning in healthy older adults.MethodsNineteen older adults walked straight or walked and turned 180° to the right and left at their comfortable speed and at a slow pace. The walking direction was visually cued before they started to walk (preplanned) or while walking straight (unplanned). As a proxy for medio-lateral stability, we calculated the absolute difference between pelvis lateral displacement and the lateral edge of the base of support during straight walking and turning.ResultsOverall, irrespective of turning condition, medio-lateral stability was enhanced during turning as the pelvis was further away from the boundary of the base of support resulting in a greater margin of stability compared to straight walking. Turning at a slow pace hampered medio-lateral stability as demonstrated by pelvis lateral displacement closer to the boundaries of the base of support resulting in reduced margins of stability. The reduction in stability was caused by a narrower step width during slow walking whereas pelvis lateral displacement was unaffected by turning speed.ConclusionIn older adults, medio-lateral stability was augmented during turning compared to straight walking, whereas turning at a slow pace hampered medio-lateral stability. These findings provide insights into the postural strategies used by older adults in order to adapt to the postural challenges of turning and straight walking.
Highlights
Medio-lateral stability during walking turns relies on the interaction between precise weight shifts of the body and changes in base of support by regulating step width
Irrespective of turning condition, medio-lateral stability was enhanced during turning as the pelvis was further away from the boundary of the base of support resulting in a greater margin of stability compared to straight walking
Turning at a slow pace hampered mediolateral stability as demonstrated by pelvis lateral displacement closer to the boundaries of the base of support resulting in reduced margins of stability
Summary
Nineteen older adults walked straight or walked and turned 180 ̊ to the right and left at their comfortable speed and at a slow pace. As a proxy for medio-lateral stability, we calculated the absolute difference between pelvis lateral displacement and the lateral edge of the base of support during straight walking and turning. Nineteen healthy older adults (7 females; age: 72 years, SD 6 years; Body Mass Index: 25.1 SD 2.9) were recruited at senior organizations and recreational centres. Individuals were eligible for inclusion if they were !65 years of age, had a Mini Mental State Examination score of >24 and were free from any medical condition or injury affecting their gait or balance. Screening for gait impairments were based on a standardized interview including question about medical history and ongoing gait impairments, as well as an observation of the walking pattern during straight walking and turning. This study was approved by the Regional Board of Ethics in Stockholm, and all participants provided written informed consent prior to their enrolment in the study.
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