KINEMATIC GAIT VARIABLES OF ELDERLY WOMEN WITH DIFFERENT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Abstract

The aging of populations is an international phenomena caused by the decline of birthrate and the progress of medical science. According to WHO individuals older than 65 years in developed countries and older than 60 years in developing countries are considered elderly. The aging process is characterized by the decrease of muscle mass, strength and power, one of the most important reasons for the decrease of functional abilities and the increase of falling risk (Zhong et al., 2007). Nevertheless, physical activity may retard this process. The principal changes in kinematic gait variables are the decrease of gait velocity, stride length and single support time with an increase of double support time (McGibbon,2003). These changes in gait pattern observed in the elderly population may arise from functional declines of aging and may be even more significant in the absence of appropriate regular physical exercises. Considering the higher proportion of women in the elderly population (WHO, 2002), it is important to understand the changes in gait patterns of elderly women related to physical activity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the effects of different intensities of physical activity on the cinematic gait variables in older women.