The Effect of Different Flooring on Friction and Gait Variables in the Elderly

Abstract

Purpose: The effect of different flooring on sole somatosensory and the resulting changes on the dynamic balance of people while walking have interested researchers, as the motor control response in the elderly is the particular importance as a risk factor. Therefore, in this study, the effect of different floor coverings on friction as well as temporal and spatial parameters of walking in the elderly have been analyzed and evaluated in order to prevent slipping and falling. Methods: In this study, 22 elderly people over 60 years of age without a history of falling participated in this experiment. Each participant with a selected speed walked on three surfaces including the control surface (CO), soft spongy (FL) and plastic patterned (SF) non-slip flooring. The amount of ground reaction forces were recorded by force plates and kinematic data by VICON capture motion. Maximum shear force friction coefficient values (COFoMSF) in the anterior–posterior and medio-lateral directions in two consecutive stance phases and gait variables including the normalized length of step and stride, width of step, time of step and stride, as well as average velocity of step length and stride were measured. Results: No significant difference was observed between different levels in the value of friction coefficients [Formula: see text], but the friction coefficient of the maximum shear force in the anterior–posterior direction, step width and normalized step length in hard and patterned surfaces (SF & CO) compared to the soft sponge flooring (FL) decreased considerably. The results showed a significant correlation between the friction coefficient of the maximum shear force in the anterior–posterior direction with the velocity, width and duration of the step and stride only in the soft spongy flooring. Conclusion: The results of this study can help to better understand the design and level of surface adhesion in order to improve dynamic balance and reduce the risk of falling and possible failure in the elderly. In addition, it suggests the necessity of further investigation and the use of auxiliary exercises to improve and increase stability.