LOWER LIMB MOTION DURING A STEPPING ON AND OFF GAIT TASK: COMPARISON BETWEEN YOUNG AND ELDERLY FIT FEMALES

Abstract

Supposing that adaptive responses to exercise could counteract the effect of aging on the locomotion, the gait of two groups of fit females differing on their age was compared during three tasks: unobstructed walk, stepping up and stepping down on a raised surface of 17.5 cm height. Fundamental gait parameters including temporal, spatial and spatial-temporal variables were appraised by bi-dimensional kinematics analysis. The results showed a similar gait pattern between the groups on the unobstructed path, but in accomplishment of the more demanding locomotive tasks like ascending and descending the elderly demonstrate a conservative behavior throughout obstacle crossing. It can be concluded that in spite of the high levels of functional locomotive status of the senior subjects, they showed a growing need of using pro-active strategies to increase the levels of stability and safety during the step negotiation.