| Popis: |
Neuromotor control and efficiency of walking is represented in the optimal relationship between step length and cadence (walk ratio, WR). Aging results in suboptimal WRs and inefficient walking. In older adults, we explored the neuromotor control of usual walking, WR, and motor skill in usual (gait variability) and curved path walking (Figure-of-8 walk, F8W). Older adults (n=82, mean age 74.9 yrs. ± 7.5) participated. Walking measures derived from an instrumented walkway: 1) WR, step length (m)/cadence (steps/min), 2) gait speed, cm/s, 3) gait variability, standard deviations of stance time (STV, s), step length (SLV, cm), and 4) F8W time, s, and number of steps to complete. WR categories were defined by distance from optimal range (WRo = optimal, WR1 = suboptimal, WR2 = most suboptimal). ANOVAs were used to compare mean variability and F8W time and steps across WR categories, with test for trend (ptrend). The F8W time and steps increased, and usual speed decreased across WR categories (F8W time, s: WRo = 7.7, WR1 = 9.2, WR2 = 10.7; F8W steps: WRo = 13.7, WR1 = 15.2, WR2 = 18.1; speed, cm/s: WRo = 116, WR1 = 106, WR2 = 90; all ptrend |
