ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to compare and correlate spatiotemporal parameters that would indicate falls risk. Thirty-five healthy women without a history of falls in the previous year were selected. Five spatiotemporal parameters were collected from right (R) and left (L) lower limbs using three-dimensional gait analysis. Two groups: young women (20-40 years) and adult/older women (50-70 years) were analyzed. The comparisons between the groups differed in R (p=0.003) and L (p=0.002) stride length, R (p=0.008) and L (p=0.001) step length, L stance period (p=0.008), R step period (p=0.049), L double support time (p=0.003), step width (p=0.005), L loading response time (p=0.001), R (p=0.001) and L (p=0.001) pre-swing time. Gait cycle percentage data also showed statistical difference in L stance (p=0.001), L swing (p=0.001), L single support (p=0.025), L loading response (p=0.001), R (p=0.014) and L (p=0.001) pre-swing. Linear regression indicated that step and stride length increased 18% and gait velocity increased 20% with age variation. The results propose that functional measures (velocity, step and stride length) decrease as age increases, while stability measures (stance, double support and pre-swing time) increase. These findings suggest that women aged between 50-70 years may have falls risk. Women aged 50-60 are usually considered as having low falls risk.
Keywords:
Gait; Accidental Falls; Women’s Health; Middle Age; Biomedical Technology