CAN STEP EXERCISE PREVENT GAIT IMPAIRMENTS IN ELDERLY WOMEN? A KINETIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate lower limb motion whiJe a subject negotiated a raised surface to study the effects of age-related declines in gait. We selected foot-ground force variables to highlight possible differences between the young and elder SUbjects. The gait of ten post-menopause women that took part in a step exercise program and ten skiJled young female were analyzed with a two force-platforms during an unobstructed walking and when subjects were stepping on and off a raised surface of 17.5 cm height. The results suggest that older subjects possess GRF patterns similar to youngsters during unobstructed walking. It can be concluded that senior step exercise programs are capable to prevent gait impairments in the elderly but this positive effect is lessened in the case of more demanding walking tasks which should be taken into account in the development of senior step exercise programs.