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Substantiating Appropriate Motion Capture Techniques for the Assessment of Nordic Walking Gait and Posture in Older Adults
Published on: May 12, 2016
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Motor Learning in the Community-dwelling Elderly during Nordic Backward Walking
Kenta Shigemori1, Kouji Nagino1, Emi Nakamata1
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Kansai University of Welfare Sciences, Japan.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science
|June 14, 2014
Summary
Nordic backward walking (NBW) demonstrates motor learning in older adults, improving walking efficiency and reducing fear. Practice leads to better motor unit recruitment, though benefits slightly decrease after a short break.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Motor Learning
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Nordic backward walking (NBW) is a novel motor task.
- Its effects on motor learning and psychological state in older adults require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the motor learning process of NBW in community-dwelling older adults.
- To assess changes in psychological condition, specifically fear, following NBW.
- To determine if repeated NBW sessions enhance learning and psychological well-being.
Main Methods:
- 19 community-dwelling elderly individuals (64-78 years) participated.
- Participants engaged in repeated sessions of NBW.
- Walking speed, stride length, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for fear were measured.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in walking speed and stride length were observed between early sessions (1st-3rd).
- A slight decrease in speed and stride length was noted in the 6th session compared to the 5th.
- Fear (VAS score) significantly decreased after each NBW session, with the 6th session showing a reduction compared to the 5th.
Conclusions:
- NBW is a novel task that facilitates motor learning in older adults.
- Practice leads to more efficient motor unit recruitment during NBW.
- NBW shows potential for improving motor function and reducing fear in the elderly.
