Effects of age and gender on spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters in older adults

Gait changes are more prominently observed in older adults than in young adults, especially in kinematics of lower extremities and trunk. These changes can result in incidental falls during gait, possibly leading to inability to perform activities of daily living independently. This study aimed to investigate the effect of gender and age on gait changes, such as spatiotemporal parameters and peak joint angles in lower extremities and trunk during gait.

A total of 387 participants (223 women) were included. The Microsoft Kinect V2 sensor was used to obtain the coordinate data of lower extremities and trunk during gait. The coordinate data obtained were processed using the software. Walking speed, stride length, stride time and cadence were calculated as spatiotemporal variables of walking. Forward trunk tilt angle (FTT), hip flexion and extension, and knee flexion and extension were measured as peak angles during one-gait cycle. Participants were categorized into five groups according to age by five years. Multivariate analysis of variance was performed to compare the spatiotemporal and kinematical data among groups.

Significant differences among age groups were noted in terms of the walking speed and stride length. Significant differences were also observed in the FTT and hip extension angle.

Increased gait changes, increased peak FTT and decreased peak hip extension angle were observed with an increase of age. These altered symptoms may contribute to the screening of older adults at risk of declined physical function at an early stage.