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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
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Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds
Published on: August 25, 2020
Age-related adaptations in acceleration and deceleration control during gait
Naoto Hida1, Tomoya Kokue1, Kenichi Sugawara1
1Kanagawa University of Human Services, 1-10-1 Heiseicho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-8522, Japan.
Journal of Biomechanics
|July 6, 2026
Summary
Older adults show reduced propulsive forces during acceleration and weaker braking forces during deceleration, impacting gait speed and control. These age-related gait adaptations highlight differences in movement strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Aging is associated with changes in gait, affecting mobility and fall risk.
- Understanding age-related differences in gait control during dynamic tasks like acceleration and deceleration is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related adaptations in propulsive and braking mechanisms during gait acceleration and deceleration.
- To compare spatiotemporal parameters, ground reaction forces (GRF), and center of mass external moment (COM Mext) between younger and older adults.
Main Methods:
- Thirty younger and thirty older healthy adults participated.
- Kinematic and kinetic data were collected during normal, maximum, acceleration, and deceleration walking trials using motion capture and force plates.
- Analysis focused on spatiotemporal gait parameters, anteroposterior (AP) and vertical (V) GRF components, and COM Mext.
Main Results:
- During acceleration, older adults had reduced anterior GRF AP and slower gait speed.
- During deceleration, older adults showed reduced posterior GRF AP and increased cadence.
- Older adults exhibited altered vertical GRF patterns during both acceleration and deceleration phases.
Conclusions:
- Older adults demonstrate impaired propulsive force generation during acceleration, limiting speed increases.
- Reduced braking capacity in older adults during deceleration necessitates more steps to slow down.
- Age-related gait adaptations involve distinct strategies for controlling acceleration and deceleration.
