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Uncovering age-related differences in foot trajectory patterns during obstacle crossing: Statistical parametric
Yuki Suda1, Kentaro Kodama2, Yu Ozawa3
1Department of Health Promotion Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan; Research fellow, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan.
Older adults show distinct foot trajectory patterns when crossing obstacles, with higher toe lifts before crossing and lower lifts before landing compared to younger adults. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) effectively analyzes these age-related differences.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Falls in older adults are common during obstacle crossing.
- Previous research highlighted age-related differences in foot trajectory during obstacle crossing.
- A standardized method for comparing these age-related differences is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in foot trajectory patterns during obstacle crossing.
- To apply Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) for analyzing these differences.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of data from 72 older and 76 younger adults.
- Participants crossed a 15 cm obstacle.
- Foot trajectory (toe height) during the swing phase was analyzed.
- Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) and non-paired t-tests were used for comparison.
Main Results:
- Older adults displayed higher toe heights before obstacle clearance compared to younger adults.
- Older adults showed lower toe heights before landing than younger adults.
- Age-related differences in foot trajectory patterns were observed both before crossing and before landing.
Conclusions:
- Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) is a valuable tool for analyzing foot trajectory patterns during obstacle crossing.
- Age-related gait characteristics during obstacle crossing may be missed if analysis is limited to the point of clearance.
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