Effects of Self-Selected Step Length and Trunk Position on Joint Kinetics in Highly Physically Fit Older Adults.

Effects of Self-Selected Step Length and Trunk Position on Joint Kinetics in Highly Physically Fit Older Adults.
J Appl Biomech. 2020 Apr 07;:1-7
Authors: Krupenevich RL, Miller RH
Abstract
The causes of age-related differences in lower-extremity joint moments and powers are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of highly physically active older adults walking with (1) a step length similar to young adults and (2) an upright trunk posture, on hip and ankle joint kinetics. The authors hypothesized that, compared with their self-selected walking mechanics, older adults would exhibit decreased hip kinetics and increased ankle kinetics when prescribed a young adult step length, and would exhibit decreased hip extension moments when maintaining an upright trunk posture during walking. A total of 12 active older adults (67 [5] y) and 13 active young adults (21 [3] y) walked at 1.3 m/s. The older adults also walked at 1.3 m/s with step lengths prescribed from height-matched young adults and, in a separate condition, walked with an upright trunk. The older adults did not display larger ankle kinetics or smaller hip kinetics in either condition compared to walking with a self-selected step length. These findings indicate that step length and trunk position do not primarily contribute to age-related differences in kinetics in highly active older adults and should serve as a starting point for investigating alter...

Source: Journal of Applied Biomechanics - April 9, 2020 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: J Appl Biomech Source Type: research