Age-associated gait patterns and the role of lower extremity strength – Results from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine differences in gait characteristics across the adult lifespan and to test the hypothesis that such differences are attributable at least in part to the decline in muscle strength. The data presented here are from 190 participants of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) aged from 32 to 93 years. Based on two age thresholds that best capture the effect of age on walking speed, participants were divided into three age groups: middle-age (32–57 years; N=27), old-age (58–78 years; N=125), and oldest-age (79–93 years; N=38). Participants were asked to walk at their preferred and maximum speeds while recorded with 3D gait analysis system. In addition, maximum isokinetic knee extensor strength was assessed. While walking at preferred speed, range of motion (ROM) and mechanical work expenditure (MWE) of the ankle were lower within middle-age (p < 0.001, p = 0.047, respectively), while hip ROM and MWE were lower (p = 0.006) and higher (p < 0.001), respectively within oldest-age with older age. Deterioration in ankle function during customary walking initiates already at middle-age. Differences in the maximum walking speed and ankle ROM between middle-age and old-age were explained by knee strength.

Evolução de desempenho físico e força de preensão palmar em idosos assistidos por um programa de assistência domiciliar interdisciplinar em um ano

“…Considering that this was an older and more fragile population, with multiple co-morbidities, such stabilization might not be considered bad in the course of 1 year; on the contrary, it might even be a satisfactory result. The modifications brought by aging 14 could be slowed down if these elderly people were assisted with an increase in purposeful and specific exercises more frequently, that is, with more visits it would be possible to reassess the patients and expand the exercises and orientations according to their progress and need. As a result of safety reasons, the increase in exercise was only possible after a physiotherapy assessment.…”

Reliability of a device for the knee and ankle isometric and isokinetic strength testing in older adults

“…Some studies established that functional capacities, such as the ability to stand up and sit down from a chair, climb stairs and walk quickly, may be more closely associated with power than strength, and the loss of power [7][8][9] may be more related to the etiology of falls 10,11 . Interestingly, a study of Kwon et al 12 also showed that lower extremity muscle strength is strongly associated with gait speed and, from the opposite perspective, maximum walking speed is associated with knee strength 13 . In fact, the distal leg muscles, such as ankle muscles, are important for walking 14 , maintaining balance and avoiding falls 15 .…”

Gait energetic efficiency in older adults with and without knee pain: results from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

“…Increased stability can be achieved with longer double support time, and knee strength can be supported through augmented ankle ROM (Ko et al 2012). Thus, the increased energetic Gait speed model was adjusted for age, sex, height, and weight, while other models were adjusted for age, sex, height, weight, and gait speed (a) (b) Fig.…”