Slow Walking Research Articles

Scale Production of a Stretchable Fiber Triboelectric Nanogenerator in Customizable Textile for Human Motion Recognition.

Although the fiber-based triboelectric nanogenerator (F-TENG) has been recognized as one of the most promising flexible sensor systems, it is facing a challenge of balancing the performance and the processing scalability. Herein, we develop a hierarchical coaxial F-TENG possessing PU layer, Ag layer, and PA layer from the core to the outer part by an efficient and straightforward two-step braiding method. Owning a small diameter of 1 mm, the F-TENG presents a high linear sensing response, a wide working range of 5 to 150 kPa, and a quick reaction speed of around 200 ms. In addition, it shows high flexibility, cyclic washability, and superior mechanical stability. Furthermore, customizable textiles (e.g., wrist support and socks) that conform perfectly to the human body have been knitted from the F-TENGs as warps or wefts, which are able to monitor human motion signals. Together with an optimized machine learning algorithm, five human motions (stand, slow walk, normal walk, run, and jump) can be analyzed with a precision of up to 99%. In short, this work presents a scalable approach to develop customizable self-powered sensing textiles, offering an excellent wearable digital platform/system for potential motion capture/monitoring, identification, and smart-sports-related applications.

Lead exposure and physical frailty in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: cross-sectional results from the METAL study.

Chronic lead exposure continues to be a global environmental concern. Previous studies reported high levels of lead exposure in people with diabetes. Frailty is one of the vital comorbidities of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, researchers have not determined whether lead exposure is a risk factor for frailty in people with T2DM. This cross-sectional study explored the association between blood lead levels and frailty in a Shanghai diabetic population cohort. Individuals who met ≥3 of 5 predefined criteria (weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, slow walking speed and low grip strength) were defined as frailty. A total of 884 participants with T2DM (50.6% men, mean age 70.6 ± 7.4 years) were included. Among them, 147 (16.6%) patients were frail, and the median (interquartile range) concentration of blood lead was 16.0 µg/L (12.0-23.0). Compared with the participants within the lowest quartile of serum lead, positive associations of the 2nd and 4th lead quartiles with frailty were observed (OR, 95% CI; 1.70 1.01-2.84 and 1.72 1.03-2.88, respectively) after adjusting for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). After further adjustment for drinking status, smoking status, diet, education, blood pressure, triglycerides and glycosylated hemoglobin, the associations of serum lead with frailty were still significant for the 4th and 2nd-4th quartiles of lead (1.71, 1.01-2.91 and 1.57, 1.02-2.41, respectively). In the subgroup analyses, we found positive associations of serum lead with frailty in elderly individuals (1.77, 1.13-2.79), those with obesity (2.14, 1.02-4.51), those with unhealthy diets (2.52, 1.26-5.04), and those without hyperlipidemia (2.09, 1.12-3.88), although the interactions were not statistically significant (P for interaction all >0.05). This work provides evidence of an association between chronic lead exposure and physical frailty in a diabetic population in a Chinese cohort. Future prospective and mechanistic studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Device-Measured 24-Hour Movement Behaviors and Blood Pressure: A 6-Part Compositional Individual Participant Data Analysis in the ProPASS Consortium.

Blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects of structured exercise are well-established. Effects of 24-hour movement behaviors captured in free-living settings have received less attention. This cross-sectional study investigated associations between a 24-hour behavior composition comprising 6 parts (sleeping, sedentary behavior, standing, slow walking, fast walking, and combined exercise-like activity [eg, running and cycling]) and systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Data from thigh-worn accelerometers and BP measurements were collected from 6 cohorts in the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep consortium (ProPASS) (n=14 761; mean±SD, 54.2±9.6 years). Individual participant analysis using compositional data analysis was conducted with adjustments for relevant harmonized covariates. Based on the average sample composition, reallocation plots examined estimated BP reductions through behavioral replacement; the theoretical benefits of optimal (ie, clinically meaningful improvement in SBP [2 mm Hg] or DBP [1 mm Hg]) and minimal (ie, 5-minute reallocation) behavioral replacements were identified. The average 24-hour composition consisted of sleeping (7.13±1.19 hours), sedentary behavior (10.7±1.9 hours), standing (3.2±1.1 hours), slow walking (1.6±0.6 hours), fast walking (1.1±0.5 hours), and exercise-like activity (16.0±16.3 minutes). More time spent exercising or sleeping, relative to other behaviors, was associated with lower BP. An additional 5 minutes of exercise-like activity was associated with estimated reductions of -0.68 mm Hg (95% CI, -0.15, -1.21) SBP and -0.54 mm Hg (95% CI, -0.19, 0.89) DBP. Clinically meaningful improvements in SBP and DBP were estimated after 20 to 27 minutes and 10 to 15 minutes of reallocation of time in other behaviors into additional exercise. Although more time spent being sedentary was adversely associated with SBP and DBP, there was minimal impact of standing or walking. Study findings reiterate the importance of exercise for BP control, suggesting that small additional amounts of exercise are associated with lower BP in a free-living setting.

Brisk walking pace offsets venous thromboembolism risk equivalent to established monogenic mutations.

Mendelian mutations in F2 and F5 genes are known risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study aimed to explore the association between walking pace and VTE, compare its risk with Mendelian mutations, and identify if blood biomarkers mediate this effect. We followed 445,261 UK Biobank participants free of VTE at baseline. Walking pace was self-reported, and carrier status for F2 and F5 gene mutations was determined by rs1799963 and rs6025 genotypes. We used a Cox proportional hazard model to estimate walking pace's effect on VTE risk, bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess causality, and mediation analysis to explore blood biomarkers. Over a median follow-up of 12.8 years, 11,155 incident VTE cases were identified. The 10-year incidence rates for brisk and slow walking paces were 1.32% and 3.90%, respectively. For F5 carriers, the rates were 1.70% (brisk pace) and 3.62% (slow pace). Brisk walking pace reduced VTE risk in F5 carriers (2.65%) compared to non-carriers with a slow pace (3.66%). MR analysis confirmed a causal relationship from walking pace to VTE risk. Mediation analysis revealed that serum albumin and cystatin C mediated 8.7% to 11.7% of the effect of brisk walking pace on VTE risk. A slow walking pace is causally associated with increased VTE risk. A brisk walking pace mitigates VTE risk, particularly in individuals with F5 gene mutations, and this effect is partially mediated by serum albumin and cystatin C.

Assessing the level of device-measured physical activity according to insomnia symptoms in 1,354 individuals with diabetes: the HUNT Study, Norway

BackgroundInsomnia symptoms that influence daytime functioning are common among adults with type 2 diabetes. However, no previous study has examined if levels of physical activity differ among adults with diabetes with and without insomnia symptoms. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the difference in total physical activity (TPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels in individuals with diabetes with and without insomnia symptoms.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 1,354 participants with any type of diabetes who participated in the Norwegian HUNT4 Study, 2017-19. Participants were defined to have ‘insomnia symptoms’ if they reported difficulty initiating and/or maintaining sleep ≥ 3 nights/week during the last 3 months. MVPA (defined as moderate/brisk walking [> 4.0 km/h], running, and cycling), and TPA (MVPA including slow walking [≤ 4.0 km/h]) were determined from two accelerometers worn on the thigh and lower back. Analyses were stratified by age and sex.ResultsThe median age was 67 years and 491 (36%) had insomnia symptoms and 37 (3%) had insomnia disorder. Among women, 28% with one or more insomnia symptoms fulfilled the recommended minimum level of physical activity, as compared to 34% in women without insomnia symptoms. The corresponding proportions in men were 48% and 45%. Women above 65 years with insomnia symptoms performed less TPA (-73 min/week, 95% CI -122 to -24) and MVPA (-33 min/week, 95% CI -50 to -15), compared to women without insomnia symptoms in the same age group. There was no clear difference in physical activity levels according to insomnia symptoms in men or women below 65 years. Women and men with insomnia disorder had substantially lower TPA (women: -192 min/week, 95% CI -278 to -106; men: -276 min/week, 95% CI -369 to -193) and MVPA (women: -37 min/week, 95% CI -63 to -11; men: -67 min/week, 95% CI -83 to -50) than those without insomnia symptoms.ConclusionsThis study showed that women above 65 years with insomnia symptoms and individuals with insomnia disorder performed less physical activity, suggesting that these subgroups may suffer from additional challenges that prevent them from engaging in regular physical activity.

High cotinine levels as an associated factor with frailty status in older adults: evidence from the NHANES study

IntroductionSmoking has been recognized as a contributing factor to frailty in older adults. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether the degree of smoking has a discernible impact on frailty among older smokers. This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the correlation between serum cotinine levels, a biomarker reflecting tobacco exposure, and the presence of frailty within a nationally representative cohort of older adults.MethodA total of 1626 individuals aged ≥ 60 who identified as smokers were included in the analysis. Participants were selected based on self-reported current smoking status. According to the Fried Phenotype, frailty is assessed through five dimensions: unintentional weight loss, slow walking speed, weakness, self-reported exhaustion, and low physical activity. Participants with three or more of these conditions were categorized as frailty, those with at least one but less than three as pre-frailty, and those with none as robust. Multinomial logistic regression models were employed to explore the relationship between serum cotinine level quartiles, with the lowest quartile as the reference group, and the various frailty statuses, with robustness as the reference category. These models were adjusted for covariates, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, alcohol drinking, daily protein intake, systolic blood pressure, serum albumin level, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function. The data used for this analysis were sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the years 2011 to 2014.ResultsThe median age of the participants was 69.0 years. The majority were male (62.2%) and non-Hispanic White (49.0%). The distribution of frailty statuses among the participants revealed that the highest proportion had pre-frailty (50.7%), followed by robustness (41.1%), and frailty (8.2%). Multinomial logistic regression showed that participants in the 4th quartile of serum cotinine level exhibited a higher probability of pre-frailty versus robustness (Odds ratio [OR] 1.599, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.017, 2.513, P = 0.042). Participants in the 3rd quartile of serum cotinine level had higher odds of frailty versus robustness (OR 2.403, 95% CI 1.125, 5.134, P = 0.024). Moreover, participants whose serum cotinine levels were higher than the literature cutoffs (≥ 15 ng/ml) were more likely to be pre-frail (Odds ratio [OR] 1.478, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.017, 2.150, P = 0.035) or frail (Odds ratio [OR] 2.141, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.054, 4.351, P = 0.041).ConclusionsA higher serum cotinine level is linked to an elevated probability of pre-frailty and frailty among older smokers. Initiatives geared towards assisting older smokers in reducing or quitting their smoking habits might possibly play a crucial role in preventing pre-frailty and frailty.

Characterizing Risk Profiles and Transitions across Living and Care Settings in Sweden

Abstract Background Older adults are at increased risk of frequent healthcare transitions between health care (hospitals) and social care providers (formal care and institutions). Therefore, our objective was to quantify and characterize the potential risk profiles of multiple transitions between living and care settings for older adults. Methods Data were obtained from the National E-Infrastructure for Aging Research (NEAR), including the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC) and the National Patient Register, to evaluate living and care transitions of over 7,000 individuals aged 60+, across homes, formal care, nursing homes, hospitals, and post-acute facilities. A multi-state model was used to represent moving likelihood. Results Over 15 years, the average length of stay was two years at home, one year in home care, one year in institutionalization, eight days in the hospital, and 17 days in post-acute facilities. Older age and being a woman increased the chance of receiving home care after hospital discharge (Hazard Ratio [HR] range 1.35-4.38, 1.06-1.08), whereas multimorbidity and slow walking speed were associated with an 11%-50% increased hazard of hospitalization and home care. Generally, cognitive impairment increased the hazard of institutionalization (HR range 1.99-2.15), and disability was associated with a higher hazard of nursing home placement (HR range 2.57-3.07). Conclusions These findings underscore that care transition patterns are associated with different sociodemographic, clinical, and functional characteristics. This highlights the complex and dynamic interplay between these characteristics and social and health care use. Key messages • The study emphasizes that hospitalization is a major driver of transitions between living and care settings for older adults. • Age, gender, multimorbidity, walking speed, cognitive impairment, and disability all play a role in shaping older adults’ transition patterns between different care settings.

Criterion validity and accuracy of actigraph and Xiaomi Smart Band to count steps after stroke

Purpose Finding valid and accurate methods to count steps is important after a stroke. To determine the criterion validity and accuracy of the Actigraph and Xiaomi Smart Band to count steps in individuals after stroke. To explore the influence of walking speed on the accuracy of these activity monitors. Method Individuals after stroke performed the 2-min Walk Test while wearing the ActiGraph and Xiaomi Smart Band. The 2-min Walk Test was recorded, and the observed step count was compared with the estimated step count of both activity monitors. Results Fifty individuals after stroke were included. The ActiGraph had a low correlation (rho 0.41) between observed and estimated step count and a high percentage absolute error (39%). The Xiaomi Smart Band had a high correlation (rho 0.83) and a moderate percentage absolute error (12%). At high walking speeds, the Xiaomi Smart Band had a low percentage absolute error (3%) and at slow walking speeds had 18% a moderate percentage absolute error. Conclusion The Xiaomi Smart Band has good criterion validity and moderate-to-high accuracy counting steps after stroke. It is a low-cost activity monitor that is a viable alternative to the more expensive activity monitors used in research. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The ActiGraph has low criterion validity and accuracy at counting steps after stroke. The Xiaomi Smart Band has good criterion validity and accuracy at counting steps after a stroke. The Xiaomi Smart Band is a low-cost activity monitor that is a viable alternative to the more expensive activity monitors used in research.

Risk Profiles of Avoidable and Unavoidable Hospitalizations: a Swedish population-based study

Abstract Background Older adults frequently experience multiple hospitalizations, owing to their complex health and social needs. This study aims to comprehensively characterize the risk factors associated with avoidable and unavoidable hospitalization among older adults. Specific emphasis is placed on avoidable/unavoidable hospitalization originating from chronic or acute causes. Methods Data on 3,166 individuals aged ≥60 years were obtained from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K), linked to the Swedish National Patient Register. Multistate models were used to investigate the risk profiles of participants experiencing their first and recurrent hospitalizations over 15 years. The Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare criteria were used to define avoidable/unavoidable hospitalizations. Results Women had a lower hazard of avoidable hospitalizations for chronic conditions as well as unavoidable hospitalizations (HR range 0.46-0.84). However, receiving informal care was associated with 88% increased hazard of avoidable hospitalizations due to chronic causes (95%CI 1.18-2.99), while receiving formal care was associated with 44% increasing hazard of avoidable hospitalization due to acute causes (95%CI1.04-1.98). Factors such as slow walking speed, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy were associated with a high risk of avoidable hospitalizations due to both acute (HR range1.27-3.03) and chronic (HR range1.63-2.54) causes. Conclusions Both clinical and functional factors have emerged as key predictors of avoidable hospitalization, underscoring the importance of comprehensive risk assessment and proactive healthcare management strategies to reduce the burden of hospital utilization in older adults. Key messages • Targeted interventions are essential to improve healthcare outcomes among older adults at risk of avoidable hospitalizations due to chronic and acute conditions. • The study identified predictors such as slow walking speed, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy, underscoring the need for comprehensive risk assessment to prevent avoidable hospitalization.

Sex differences in the association between skeletal muscle energetics and perceived physical fatigability: the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA).

Greater perceived physical fatigability and lower skeletal muscle energetics are bothpredictors of mobility decline. Characterizing associations between muscle energetics and perceived fatigability may provide insight into potential targets to prevent mobility decline. We examined associations of in vivo (maximal ATP production, ATPmax) and ex vivo (maximal carbohydrate supported oxidative phosphorylation [max OXPHOS] and maximal fatty acid supported OXPHOS [max FAO OXPHOS]) measures of mitochondrial energetics with two measures of perceived physical fatigability, Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS, 0-50, higher = greater) and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE Fatigability, 6-20, higher = greater) after a slow treadmill walk. Participants from the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (N = 873) were 76.3±5.0 years old, 59.2% women, and 85.3% White. Higher muscle energetics (both in vivo and ex vivo) were associated with lower perceived physical fatigability, all p < 0.03. When stratified by sex, higher ATPmax was associated with lower PFS Physical for men only; higher max OXPHOS and max FAO OXPHOS were associated with lower RPE Fatigability for both sexes. Higher skeletal muscle energetics were associated with 40-55% lower odds of being in the most (PFS≥25, RPE Fatigability ≥12) vs least (PFS 0-4, RPE Fatigability 6-7) severe fatigability strata, all p < 0.03. Being a woman was associated with 2-3 times higher odds of being in the most severe fatigability strata when controlling for ATPmax but not the ex vivomeasures (p < 0.05). Better mitochondrial energetics were linked to lower fatigability and less severe fatigability in older adults. Findings imply that improving skeletal muscle energetics may mitigate perceived physical fatigability and prolong healthy aging.

Simple and efficient step detection algorithm for foot-mounted IMU

Abstract This paper presents a concise, efficient, and adaptive step detection algorithm based on foot-mounted inertial measurement unit sensors. The proposed method maps the temporal values of pedestrian motion and gait diversity into two variables: the distance between peaks and valleys, and the slope. Compared to traditional sliding window methods, this approach amplifies the differences between normal and abnormal steps, allowing it to adapt to various indoor activities such as fast walking, slow walking, running, jogging, standing still, and turning. By incorporating adaptive factors, it addresses the challenge of detecting steps while going up and down stairs. The proposed algorithm overcomes the limitations of traditional adaptive threshold methods that require different temporal and peak thresholds for various gait conditions. By utilizing the significant differences in distance and slope, it effectively resolves the issue of detecting steps during stationary periods. Unlike neural network-based gait classifiers, this algorithm does not need to account for multiple gait conditions, thereby simplifying the training process. Experimental results demonstrate that the algorithm achieves an average accuracy of over 99% under mixed indoor walking conditions and over 98% accuracy in long-term outdoor walking conditions.

The Difference in Achilles Tendon Loading within Immobilizing Boots Based on Ankle Angle, Boot Type, and Walking Speed.

Achilles tendon rupture is an increasingly common injury treated with progressive rehabilitation in an immobilizing boot. However, it is poorly understood how ankle angle, boot type, and walking speed affect Achilles tendon loading. These different parameters would affect Achilles tendon loading in terms of (from greatest to least) ankle angle constraint, immobilization style, boot construction, and walking speed. Descriptive laboratory study. Ten healthy young adults (8 women and 2 men; age, 21 ± 2 years; body mass index, 21.5 ± 3.0 kg/m2) walked in 3 different immobilizing boots at self-selected slow, medium, and fast walking speeds. The authors estimated Achilles tendon loading using a 3-part instrumented insole within the immobilizing boot. The authors averaged tendon load across every stride for each condition and calculated 2-sided bootstrap confidence intervals. Peak tendon loading was compared across all boots, ankle angles, and walking speeds. All boots and immobilization styles decreased tendon loading with respect to shod walking. Immobilization angle had the largest effect on tendon loading, followed by boot construction, and finally walking speed. Ankle angle, boot type, and walking speed can be modified to change loading progression during rehabilitation. Understanding how immobilization affects tendon loading will enable clinicians to modify rehabilitation to improve functional outcomes.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Frailty Distribution: A Cross-National Comparison of the United States and England.

The objective of this study is to examine differences in socioeconomic gradients (i.e., education, income, and wealth) in frailty by gender in the United States and England. We used harmonized data from the Health and Retirement Study and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing in 2016. Frailty status was determined from measured and self-reported signs and symptoms in 5 domains: unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, slow walking speed, and weakness. Respondents were classified as robust (no signs or symptoms of frailty), prefrail (signs or symptoms in 1-2 domains), or frail (signs or symptoms in 3 or more domains). Gender-stratified multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between educational attainment, household income, and household wealth with the risk of frailty and prefrailty, with and without covariates. We also calculated the slope index of inequalities on the predicted probabilities of frailty by income and wealth quintiles. We found socioeconomic gradients in prefrailty and frailty by education, income, and wealth. Furthermore, the educational gradient in frailty was significantly steeper for U.S. women compared to English women, and the income gradient was steeper for U.S. men and women compared to English men and women. The between-country differences were not accounted for by adjusting for race/ethnicity and behavioral factors. Socioeconomic gradients in prefrailty and frailty differ by country setting and gender, suggesting contextual factors such as cultural norms, healthcare access and quality, and economic policy may contribute to the effect of different measures of socioeconomic status on prefrailty and frailty risk.

Association between grip strength, walking pace and incident peripheral artery disease: A prospective study of 430,886 UK biobank participants

Background and aimsPatients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) presented overall muscle weakness and reduced physical performance. Previous study focused on the impact of muscle weakness on outcomes of established PAD, however the relationship between compromised muscle function and incident PAD remained unclear. MethodsA prospective study involving 430,886 participants aged 40–69 y from UK biobank was conducted. The main outcome was incident PAD. Grip strength and walking pace were used as indicators for muscle function. Grip strength was measured using a Jamar J00105 hydraulic hand dynamometer, while walking pace was self-reported by the participants. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to investigate the relationship between grip strength, walking pace, and incident PAD. ResultsA total of 430,886 individuals were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the participants were 56.44 years, and 55.3 % were female. Over a median follow-up period of 13.81 years, 5,661 participants developed PAD. Higher grip strength, whether absolute or relative, exhibited a dose-dependent inverse association with incident PAD. Each 1 kg increment in absolute grip strength and each 0.01 kg/kg increase in relative grip strength were associated with reduced PAD risk by 2 % (HR: 0.98; 95 % CI [0.97–0.98]) and 83 % (HR: 0.17; 95 % CI [0.13–0.23]), respectively. Slow walking pace significantly correlated with increased PAD risk, while brisk walking pace was associated with decreased PAD risk. ConclusionAbsolute grip strength, relative grip strength and walking pace were inversely associated with the risk of incident PAD.

Role of Walking Energetics and Perceived Fatigability Differs by Gait Speed: The Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA).

Slower gait speed may be driven by greater energy deficits and fatigability among older adults. We examined associations of walking energetics and perceived physical fatigability with gait speed among slower and faster walkers. Additionally, we used statistical mediation to examine the role of fatigability in the associations of walking energetics and gait speed using the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA). Perceived physical fatigability was assessed using the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS) Physical score (range 0-50, higher = greater). A 3-phase cardiopulmonary exercise treadmill test collected peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak, mL/kg/min), energetic cost of walking (ECW, mL/kg/m), and cost-capacity ratio (VO2/VO2peak*100, %). Slower (<1.01 m/s) versus faster (≥1.01 m/s) walkers were classified using median 4-m gait speed. Linear regressions and statistical mediation analyses were conducted. Slower walkers had lower VO2peak, higher ECW at preferred walking speed (PWS), and greater PFS Physical score compared to faster walkers (all p < .05; N = 849). One standard deviation (1-SD) higher VO2peak was associated with 0.1 m/s faster gait speed, while 1-SD higher ECW PWS, cost-capacity ratio at PWS and slow walking speed (SWS), and PFS Physical score were associated with 0.02-0.23 m/s slower gait speed. PFS Physical score was a significant statistical mediator in the associations between VO2peak (15.2%), SWScost-capacity ratio (15.9%), and ECW PWS (10.7%) with gait speed and was stronger among slower walkers. Slower walkers may be more influenced by perceptions of fatigue in addition to walking energetics. Our work highlights the importance of targeting both energetics and perceived fatigability to prevent mobility decline.

Walking balance control in different settings: Effects of walking speed and biological sex

BackgroundPrevious research has suggested that spatiotemporal step parameters differ between settings; however, it remains unclear how different settings influence walking balance control. Research questionHow do settings and sex influence walking balance control during walking at different speeds for young adults? MethodsForty-two adults (21 male (23 ± 4 years), 21 female (24 ± 5 years)) completed overground walking trials in four settings: laboratory (10 m), hallway, indoor open, and outdoor pathway (all 20 m) at three self-selected speeds (slow, preferred, fast) following verbal instructions. Participants wore 17 inertial sensors (Xsens Awinda, Movella, Henderson, NV) to capture total body kinematics. The number of included strides was matched across all conditions, with six strides included in each condition for all participants. Medial-lateral and anterior-posterior total body angular momentum range over each stride was calculated (HML range and HAP range). Setting × speed × sex mixed factorial analysis of variance with repeated measures on setting and speed were used for statistical analysis (α =.05). ResultsSignificant setting × speed interactions (p <.001) were present for both outcomes. HML range was greater in the laboratory and hallway compared to the indoor open and outdoor pathway settings for slow walking speed only. HAP range was lower in the outdoor pathway compared to all indoor settings at slow and preferred walking speeds. Differences in HAP range between settings was more pronounced at the slow speed condition. Across setting and speed conditions, HML range was greater for males compared to females. SignificanceYoung adults may alter their balance control strategy depending on the setting (laboratory, indoor open and outdoor pathway), particularly at slow speeds. Researchers and clinicians are cautioned not to assume walking in laboratory settings reflects walking in all settings nor that males and females can be examined as a single group.

Comparison of the Accuracy of Ground Reaction Force Component Estimation between Supervised Machine Learning and Deep Learning Methods Using Pressure Insoles.

The three Ground Reaction Force (GRF) components can be estimated using pressure insole sensors. In this paper, we compare the accuracy of estimating GRF components for both feet using six methods: three Deep Learning (DL) methods (Artificial Neural Network, Long Short-Term Memory, and Convolutional Neural Network) and three Supervised Machine Learning (SML) methods (Least Squares, Support Vector Regression, and Random Forest (RF)). Data were collected from nine subjects across six activities: normal and slow walking, static with and without carrying a load, and two Manual Material Handling activities. This study has two main contributions: first, the estimation of GRF components (Fx, Fy, and Fz) during the six activities, two of which have never been studied; second, the comparison of the accuracy of GRF component estimation between the six methods for each activity. RF provided the most accurate estimation for static situations, with mean RMSE values of RMSE_Fx = 1.65 N, RMSE_Fy = 1.35 N, and RMSE_Fz = 7.97 N for the mean absolute values measured by the force plate (reference) RMSE_Fx = 14.10 N, RMSE_Fy = 3.83 N, and RMSE_Fz = 397.45 N. In our study, we found that RF, an SML method, surpassed the experimented DL methods.

A travel time matrix data set for the Helsinki region 2023 that is sensitive to time, mode and interpersonal differences, and uses open data and novel open-source software

Travel times between different locations form the basis for most contemporary measures of spatial accessibility. Travel times allow to estimate the potential for interaction between people and places, and is therefore a vital measure for understanding the functioning, sustainability, and equity of cities. Here, we provide an open travel time matrix dataset that describes travel times between the centroids of all cells in a grid (N = 13,132) covering the metropolitan area of Helsinki, Finland. The travel times recorded in the dataset follow a door-to-door approach that provides comparable travel times for walking, cycling, public transport and car journeys, including all legs of each trip by each mode, such as the walk to a bus stop, or the search for a parking spot. We used the r5py Python package, that we developed specifically for this computation. The data are sensitive to diurnal variations and to variations between people (e.g. slow and fast walking speed). We validated the data against the Google Directions API and present use cases from a planning practice. The five key principles that guided the data set design and production – comparability, simplicity, reproducibility, transferability, and sensitivity to temporal and interpersonal variations – ensure that urban and transport planners, business and researchers alike can use the data in a wide range of applications.

Association of peak expiratory flow with motoric cognitive risk syndrome among older adults.

The association between lung function and motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is unclear. We aimed to explore the association of peak expiratory flow (PEF) with MCR using cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Within the CHARLS, 5095 participants were included in the cross-sectional analysis, and 4340 MCR-free participants were included in the longitudinal analysis. The PEF was assessed with a lung peak flow meter. MCR was characterized by cognitive complaints and a slow walking speed with normal mobility and without dementia. Logistic regression, Cox regression, and Laplace regression models were employed for data analysis. In this cross-sectional study, logistic regression analyses revealed that continuous PEF was associated with MCR (odds ratio [OR], 0.998; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.998, 0.999), and the ORs (95% CIs) of MCR prevalence were 0.857 (0.693, 1.061) for the middle tertile and 0.665 (0.524, 0.845) for the highest tertile compared to the lowest tertile. In a longitudinal cohort study, continuous PEF was dose-dependently associated with the risk of MCR. Compared with those in the lowest tertile of PEF, the hazard ratios (95% CIs) of incident MCR were 0.827 (0.661, 1,036) for the middle tertile and 0.576 (0.432, 0.767) for the highest tertile. Furthermore, compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertile was associated with a delayed onset time of MCR of 0.484 (95% CI: 0.151, 0.817) years. A higher PEF was related to a lower prevalence of MCR and a lower risk for MCR, and a higher PEF also prolonged the onset time of MCR.

Impact of Xsens Technology on Analysis of Gait Deviation in Pre- and Post-surgical Total Knee Arthroplasty Patient.

Introduction Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint ailment that predominantly affects the knee and is most common in older adults. It destroys the surrounding tissues and cartilage. Following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patients with end-stage knee OA can have long-term pain reduction and patient satisfaction, although certain functional limitations still exist. While TKA significantly reduces pain and improve function, many patients stillexperience abnormalities post-surgery, such as slower walking and reduced step-length. Gait analysis using technologies like the Xsens Motion Visualization and Navigation (MVN) system (Movella, Henderson, NV, USA)provides insights into these functional limitations, helping to assess knee mobility and predict changes in joint movements during activities. Methods Thirty-four people participated in a study done at the Centre for Advance Physiotherapy Education and Research, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Wardha, both before and after total knee arthroplasty. Participants who ranged in age from 50 to 70 and had undergone unilateral TKA were included. Informed consent was obtained, and demographic data were collected. Participants walked a predetermined distance at their usual speed, and measurements of hip and knee angular velocity and center of mass were recorded for gait analysis. Result The study involved participants aged 50-70, with a mean age of 59.79 years and height ranging from 153.00 to 185.00 cm. Significant gait changes were noted pre- and post-total knee arthroplasty, including a decrease in walking speed from 0.72 to 0.55m/s and cadence from 105.06 to 82.86. Other parameters, such as step length and center of mass, also exhibited considerable differences, highlighting the impact of TKA on gait dynamics. Conclusion The study underscores the significant impact of total knee arthroplasty on gait mechanics and the value of advance of technologies likeXsens for assessing functional outcomes. While TKA provides pain relief and improved mobility, residual gait abnormalities persist, highlighting the need for tailored rehabilitation. Xsens technology enhances patient preparation, recovery tracking, and rehabilitation strategies, setting a new standard for gait analysis in orthopedic practice.