Single and Dual-Task Spatiotemporal Gait Analysis of Older Athletes Participating in the National Senior Games
2024

Gait Analysis in Older Athletes

Sample size: 335 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Leach Susan, Doerfler Deborah, Schilz Jodi, Vallejo Rose, Jordre Becca, Jones Beth Moody

Primary Institution: University of New Mexico

Hypothesis

Gait parameters would change with the addition of a dual task, with increased speed, and sport category.

Conclusion

Normative spatiotemporal gait parameters were established for older athletes in three walking conditions and differences identified.

Supporting Evidence

  • A significant effect of walking condition on all spatiotemporal gait parameters was found.
  • All gait parameters were significant from single to dual task, except for stride width coefficient of variation.
  • Select gait parameters were significant when changing speed from usual to fast.
  • Sport category demonstrated changes in select gait parameters.

Takeaway

This study looked at how older athletes walk under different conditions, like when they're distracted or walking faster, and found important differences.

Methodology

Participants included 335 athletes 50 years or older in a single center cross-sectional, quasi-experimental study using ProtoKinetics’ Zeno Walkway system.

Participant Demographics

Athletes aged 50 years or older.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.4075

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