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Updated: May 9, 2026
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Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults
Published on: November 7, 2014
Gait characteristics of the elderly.
1Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|August 7, 2013
Summary
Older adults (70-82 years) exhibit reduced subtalar joint movement and slower walking speeds compared to younger adults (60-69 years). Gait analysis reveals age-related changes in foot mechanics, particularly in older individuals.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Aging is associated with changes in motor control and physical function.
- Gait analysis is crucial for understanding mobility and fall risk in older populations.
- Sport shoe design can influence gait parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of aging on gait variables in adults aged 60 and above.
- To compare gait parameters between younger (60-69 years) and older (70-82 years) adult groups.
- To analyze the influence of personal versus laboratory-supplied sports shoes on gait.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-eight participants were divided into two age groups (60-69 and 70-82 years).
- Kinetic and kinematic data were collected during comfortable walking in personal and sports shoes.
- Gait variables commonly used in sport shoe analysis were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Older adults (70-82 years) showed reduced subtalar joint motion during the support phase with personal shoes.
- Older adults walked slower and exerted lower anterior-posterior forces in both shoe conditions.
- A trend indicated decreased foot movement during mid-stance with increasing age, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Aging significantly impacts gait mechanics, including reduced joint mobility and slower walking speed.
- Age-related increases in ankle and subtalar joint stiffness may contribute to observed gait changes.
- Further research is needed to confirm the trend of decreased foot movement and explore the role of shoe preference in older adults.
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