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Sagittal plane momentum control during walking in elderly fallers.
Masahiro Fujimoto1, Li-Shan Chou2
1College of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan; Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.
Gait & Posture
|March 17, 2016
Summary
Elderly fallers exhibit poorer momentum control during walking, characterized by slower center of mass (COM) velocity and acceleration. Assessing COM acceleration alongside velocity better reveals gait imbalance mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics of human locomotion
- Geriatric gait analysis
- Fall prevention research
Background:
- Gait instability increases fall risk in the elderly.
- Understanding momentum control is crucial for identifying fall mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sagittal plane momentum control during walking.
- To analyze center of mass (COM) velocity and acceleration in relation to gait stability.
Main Methods:
- Examined antero-posterior COM control in young adults, elderly adults, and elderly fallers (n=15/group).
- Utilized an inverted pendulum model to define regions of stability (ROSv, ROSa) based on COM position and velocity/acceleration at toe-off.
Main Results:
- Elderly fallers showed significantly slower COM velocities and accelerations compared to healthy controls.
- Elderly fallers placed their COM more anteriorly at toe-off, falling within the ROSv.
- Elderly fallers demonstrated a larger stability margin in the ROSa.
Conclusions:
- Slower peak COM accelerations in elderly fallers suggest impaired momentum control.
- Evaluating COM acceleration, in addition to velocity, enhances understanding of gait imbalance and fall mechanisms.
