Age related changes in gait variability, asymmetry, and bilateral coordination - When does deterioration starts?
Aging
Bilateral coordination of gait
Gait
Gait asymmetry
Phase coordination index
Journal
Gait & posture
ISSN: 1879-2219
Titre abrégé: Gait Posture
Pays: England
ID NLM: 9416830
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
07 2022
07 2022
Historique:
received:
13
01
2022
revised:
14
04
2022
accepted:
05
05
2022
pubmed:
27
5
2022
medline:
3
8
2022
entrez:
26
5
2022
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Gait pattern coordination is affected by several factors (e.g., neurodegeneration), while aging is known to have a significant negative impact. Various gait parameters, such as gait asymmetry (GA) and stride time coefficient of variation (CV), are widely used in both research and clinical settings in order to evaluate human locomotion. Another parameter is the phase coordination index (PCI), which specifically assesses bilateral coordination of gait (BCG), by quantifying the consistency and accuracy of the anti-phased stepping pattern. In this study we hypothesized that there is a steady deterioration in the bilateral coordination of walking through ageing, and in gait rhythmicity, which would be evident by an increase in the values of the coordination parameters which are examined. We analyzed gait cycles of 66 healthy participants in ages between 40 and 85 years which were divided into five age groups (40-44; 45-54; 55-64; 75 +). The participants performed corridor walking (i.e., back and forth) wearing a computerized motion sensor-based gait analysis system. PCI, CV and GA parameters were calculated for the straight-line walking segments. PCI values remained relatively stable between the ages of 40-75 (3.16 ± 1.11%), while in the age group of 75 + years old we observed a significant increase (i.e., deterioration in BCG) in PCI values (5.68 ± 2.01%, p < 0.047). Same pattern was seen for the CV parameter. However, GA was not statistically significantly different between all age groups. It appears that PCI and CV are more sensitive measures to detect changes in gait through the aging process. The results suggest that potential screening to detect salient gait deterioration should start from the age of 70. On the other hand, GA may be used to identify neurological impairments if found increased at any age.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Gait pattern coordination is affected by several factors (e.g., neurodegeneration), while aging is known to have a significant negative impact. Various gait parameters, such as gait asymmetry (GA) and stride time coefficient of variation (CV), are widely used in both research and clinical settings in order to evaluate human locomotion. Another parameter is the phase coordination index (PCI), which specifically assesses bilateral coordination of gait (BCG), by quantifying the consistency and accuracy of the anti-phased stepping pattern.
OBJECTIVE
In this study we hypothesized that there is a steady deterioration in the bilateral coordination of walking through ageing, and in gait rhythmicity, which would be evident by an increase in the values of the coordination parameters which are examined.
METHODS
We analyzed gait cycles of 66 healthy participants in ages between 40 and 85 years which were divided into five age groups (40-44; 45-54; 55-64; 75 +). The participants performed corridor walking (i.e., back and forth) wearing a computerized motion sensor-based gait analysis system. PCI, CV and GA parameters were calculated for the straight-line walking segments.
RESULTS
PCI values remained relatively stable between the ages of 40-75 (3.16 ± 1.11%), while in the age group of 75 + years old we observed a significant increase (i.e., deterioration in BCG) in PCI values (5.68 ± 2.01%, p < 0.047). Same pattern was seen for the CV parameter. However, GA was not statistically significantly different between all age groups.
CONCLUSION
It appears that PCI and CV are more sensitive measures to detect changes in gait through the aging process. The results suggest that potential screening to detect salient gait deterioration should start from the age of 70. On the other hand, GA may be used to identify neurological impairments if found increased at any age.
Identifiants
pubmed: 35617787
pii: S0966-6362(22)00132-1
doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.05.009
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
87-92Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.