Multisegment Foot Kinematics During Walking in Younger and Older Adults

Abstract

Background: Currently, age-related changes in foot mechanics are poorly understood. A greater understanding of the natural changes in foot motion is needed to improve our understanding of pathological foot conditions.

Methods: The purpose of this study was to compare multisegment foot kinematic data during gait in younger and older individuals. Eleven (N = 11) adult male participants between the ages of 18 - 30 years (younger group; mean SD: 24.6 3.0 years) and eleven (N = 11) adults aged 55 years or older (older group; mean SD: 65.0 4.2 years) were recruited for the study. The foot was modeled as a four-segment rigid body model. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic gait parameters were recorded using an 8-camera Vicon MCam motion capture system and two Kistler force plates. A MANOVA was used to test for significant differences in mean temporal-spatial data, mean ranges of motion, and mean peak joint angle data between age groups.

Results: No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found between the two age groups for any of the gait parameters. The results of the present study suggest that individuals aged 65.0 4.2 years have foot mechanics that are comparable to younger walkers.

Conclusions: As such, any deviations in motion at this age may be indicative of an underlying disease or disorder.

doi:10.4021/jocmr984w