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Non-MTC gait cycles: An adaptive toe trajectory control strategy in older adults
Braveena K Santhiranayagam1, W A Sparrow1, Daniel T H Lai2
1Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia; College of Sport & Exercise Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia.
Gait & Posture
|January 24, 2017
Summary
Older adults exhibit more non-minimum-toe-clearance (MTC) gait cycles, increasing tripping risk. However, higher non-MTC toe clearance may be an adaptive strategy to reduce falls. This study analyzed gait in older and younger individuals.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Minimum-toe-clearance (MTC) is crucial for controlling toe trajectory and preventing trips.
- Non-MTC gait cycles, lacking a defined MTC, are understudied, especially in older adults.
- Understanding gait variations is vital for fall prevention strategies in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biomechanical characteristics of non-MTC gait cycles in older adults compared to young controls.
- To determine the prevalence of non-MTC gait cycles across different walking conditions.
- To assess the adaptive potential of non-MTC gait in reducing tripping hazards.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D motion capture to record toe position-time data during treadmill walking.
- Analyzed gait cycles for the presence and characteristics of MTC and non-MTC events.
- Compared gait parameters between 15 older adults (mean 73.1 years) and 15 young controls (mean 26.1 years) under preferred and dual-task conditions.
Main Results:
- Older adults exhibited a significantly higher proportion of non-MTC gait cycles (18.7%) than young adults (2.9%) during preferred walking.
- Dual-task conditions increased non-MTC gait cycles in both groups, with some older adults exceeding 90%.
- Indicative toe height in non-MTC cycles was greater than MTC height, suggesting an adaptive mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Non-MTC gait cycles represent an age-related phenomenon in lower limb trajectory control.
- Increased reliance on higher-clearance non-MTC gait cycles may be an adaptive strategy to mitigate tripping risk.
- Further research into gait adaptations can inform interventions for fall prevention in the elderly.
Keywords:
AgeingDual task walkingGait adaptationMinimum-toe-clearance (MTC)Non-MTC gait cyclesToe-trajectory control
