Kinematic Changes during Prolonged Fast-Walking in Old and Young Adults

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Gerontology
• Human Movement Science

Background:

• Walking speed significantly impacts gait biomechanics.
• Previous research primarily examined post-exercise gait, overlooking in-task changes.
• Understanding dynamic gait adjustments during sustained fast walking is crucial for all age groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of prolonged fast walking on lower-limb kinematics in young and older adults.
• To analyze changes in temporospatial parameters and angular kinematics during a continuous fast-walking task.
• To compare age-related kinematic adaptations during sustained high-intensity walking.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-seven young and 23 older adults walked at 70% max heart rate for 20 minutes or until exhaustion.
• Analysis focused on temporospatial parameters and angular kinematics during the walking protocol.
• Gait analysis captured changes over time within the fast-walking task.

Main Results:

• Both age groups demonstrated increased step-width variability during fast walking.
• Older adults showed significant time-dependent changes in ankle and hip angles at toe-off.
• Younger adults exhibited changes in ankle angle at heel strike; both groups displayed altered lower-limb coordination during the swing phase.

Conclusions:

• Sustained fast walking induces kinematic changes indicative of fatigue in young adults.
• Increased step-width variability in older adults suggests a heightened risk of falls.
• Kinematic adaptations in older adults were concentrated in the hip and ankle, potentially impacting gait quality and propulsion.