Relationship between age-related gait adaptations and required coefficient of friction

Abstract

A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate if age-related gait adaptations in walking velocity, step length and heel contact velocity could adversely influence friction demand characteristics (i.e. RCOF) and the likelihood of slip initiation. Additionally, relationship between transitional acceleration of the whole body center-of-mass (COM) and friction demand was assessed between young and older participants. Fourteen younger (7 females and 7 males, 18-30 years old) and 14 older (7 females and 7 males, over 65 years old) adults participated in the study. While wearing a safety harness, all participants walked at their preferred gait speed for approximately 20 min on the linear walking track, and synchronized ground reaction forces and posture data were captured using the force plates and six infrared cameras, respectively.The results indicated that older adults walked slower with slower heel contact velocity, and produced lower friction demand (i.e. RCOF) in comparison to younger adults. However, ANCOVA indicated that the differences in heel contact velocity between the two age groups were due to effects of walking velocity. The multiple regression and bivariate regression analyses suggested that, for older adults, heel contact velocity was a predictor for the RCOF, whereas, for younger adults, walking velocity, step length and transitional acceleration of the whole body COM were the factors contributing to the RCOF.In conclusion, the present study suggested that gait adaptations among the elderly must be considered when predicting the likelihood of slip initiation.

Effects of quadriceps fatigue on the biomechanics of gait and slip propensity

“…Although implicated, further EMG study is required to understand the relationship between quadriceps fatigue and the co-activation dynamics. Reduction in WV has been identified as a risk factor for slip-induced falls in the elderly [10]. Although implicated, no significant difference in WV was observed in this study.…”

“…Furthermore, Lockhart et al [8] indicated that a reduction in TA is likely to increase the friction demand at the shoe floor interface of the contacting foot. Kim et al [10] found TA and HCV to be predictor variables for RCOF in younger adults. This is in accordance with the current study.…”

“…Changes in the gait characteristics such as increase in friction demand characteristics, heel contact velocity and reduction in transitional acceleration of the whole body center of mass during a gait cycle have been noted as risk factors for slip-induced fall accidents [8,9,10,25]. The knee joint musculature is considered important in producing large flexion and extension moments while recovering from a slip [11].…”

Falls study: Proprioception, postural stability, and slips

“…Walking trials comprising the slipping and falling trials were conducted on a walking track (20 m), which was elevated 15 cm above the floor surface and consisting of vinyl tile [36]. The slippery surface was located 10m from the deck end.…”

Análisis biomecánico y perceptivo de la movilidad peatonal para fijar límites de seguridad y confort en la fricción de pavimentos urbanos

“…La percepción que los mayores tiene del entorno que les rodea y en espacial del pavimento sobre el que deambulan está condicionado fundamentalmente por sus problemas de visión (en la población estudiada en el artículo llegaban al 80% las personas mayores con problemas de visión), y no tanto por una fricción requerida diferente a la de la gente joven (Kim et al, 2005). La percepción ha de ser tanto propioceptiva como visual.…”