Movement patterns during gait initiation in older adults with various stages of frailty: a biomechanical analysis
Abstract Background Gait initiation is challenging for older individuals with poor physical function, particularly for those with frailty. Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with increased risk of illness, falls, and functional decline. This study examines whether spatial and temporal parame...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-01-01
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| Series: | European Review of Aging and Physical Activity |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-024-00335-w |
| _version_ | 1797355915845828608 |
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| author | Jana Maria Hommen João P. Batista L. Cornelius Bollheimer Frank Hildebrand Thea Laurentius Hannah Lena Siebers |
| author_facet | Jana Maria Hommen João P. Batista L. Cornelius Bollheimer Frank Hildebrand Thea Laurentius Hannah Lena Siebers |
| author_sort | Jana Maria Hommen |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Gait initiation is challenging for older individuals with poor physical function, particularly for those with frailty. Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with increased risk of illness, falls, and functional decline. This study examines whether spatial and temporal parameters of gait initiation differ between groups of older adults with different levels of frailty, and whether fear of falling, and balance ability are correlated with the height of lifting the food during gait initiation. Methods Sixty-one individuals aged > 65 years, classified by Fried frailty phenotype, performed five self-paced gait initiation trials. Data was collected using a three-dimensional passive optical motion capture system, consisting of 10 cameras with the ability to perceive reflective markers, and two force plates. The total duration of gait initiation and the duration of its four sub-phases, the first step length, and the maximum foot clearance during the first step were derived, and compared statistically between groups. Additionally, an association analysis was conducted between foot clearance and fear of falling, and confidence in balance in older individuals. Results Frail individuals had significantly longer unloading durations, and total durations of gait initiation compared to non-frail older adults. Additionally, they had shorter first step lengths compared to non-frail older adults. Pre-frail older adults also showed shorter steps compared to the non-frail group. However, there were no significant differences between groups for the maximum foot clearance during the first step. Nevertheless, the maximum foot clearance of older individuals correlated significantly with their fear of falling and confidence in balance. Conclusion Older adults with reduced physical function and signs of frailty mainly display longer duration of gait initiation and decreased first step length compared to non-frail older adults. The release phase is decreased as the double support phase is prolonged in frail patients. This information can guide the development of specialized exercise programs to improve mobility in this challenging motion between static and dynamic balance. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T14:18:05Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-5208a63365ce4ea8b2a4c44d2466c93f |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1861-6909 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T14:18:05Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | European Review of Aging and Physical Activity |
| spelling | doaj.art-5208a63365ce4ea8b2a4c44d2466c93f2024-01-14T12:15:25ZengBMCEuropean Review of Aging and Physical Activity1861-69092024-01-0121111110.1186/s11556-024-00335-wMovement patterns during gait initiation in older adults with various stages of frailty: a biomechanical analysisJana Maria Hommen0João P. Batista1L. Cornelius Bollheimer2Frank Hildebrand3Thea Laurentius4Hannah Lena Siebers5Department of Cardiology, St. Vinzenz-HospitalChair for Physiotherapy, SRH University of HealthDepartment of Geriatric Medicine, Uniklinik RWTH AachenDepartment of Orthopedic, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Uniklinik RWTH AachenDepartment of Geriatric Medicine, Uniklinik RWTH AachenDepartment of Orthopedic, Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Uniklinik RWTH AachenAbstract Background Gait initiation is challenging for older individuals with poor physical function, particularly for those with frailty. Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with increased risk of illness, falls, and functional decline. This study examines whether spatial and temporal parameters of gait initiation differ between groups of older adults with different levels of frailty, and whether fear of falling, and balance ability are correlated with the height of lifting the food during gait initiation. Methods Sixty-one individuals aged > 65 years, classified by Fried frailty phenotype, performed five self-paced gait initiation trials. Data was collected using a three-dimensional passive optical motion capture system, consisting of 10 cameras with the ability to perceive reflective markers, and two force plates. The total duration of gait initiation and the duration of its four sub-phases, the first step length, and the maximum foot clearance during the first step were derived, and compared statistically between groups. Additionally, an association analysis was conducted between foot clearance and fear of falling, and confidence in balance in older individuals. Results Frail individuals had significantly longer unloading durations, and total durations of gait initiation compared to non-frail older adults. Additionally, they had shorter first step lengths compared to non-frail older adults. Pre-frail older adults also showed shorter steps compared to the non-frail group. However, there were no significant differences between groups for the maximum foot clearance during the first step. Nevertheless, the maximum foot clearance of older individuals correlated significantly with their fear of falling and confidence in balance. Conclusion Older adults with reduced physical function and signs of frailty mainly display longer duration of gait initiation and decreased first step length compared to non-frail older adults. The release phase is decreased as the double support phase is prolonged in frail patients. This information can guide the development of specialized exercise programs to improve mobility in this challenging motion between static and dynamic balance.https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-024-00335-wBiomechanical gait analysisGait initiationFried frailty phenotypeFall preventionEldercare strategies(three-dimensional) motion capture system |
| spellingShingle | Jana Maria Hommen João P. Batista L. Cornelius Bollheimer Frank Hildebrand Thea Laurentius Hannah Lena Siebers Movement patterns during gait initiation in older adults with various stages of frailty: a biomechanical analysis European Review of Aging and Physical Activity Biomechanical gait analysis Gait initiation Fried frailty phenotype Fall prevention Eldercare strategies (three-dimensional) motion capture system |
| title | Movement patterns during gait initiation in older adults with various stages of frailty: a biomechanical analysis |
| title_full | Movement patterns during gait initiation in older adults with various stages of frailty: a biomechanical analysis |
| title_fullStr | Movement patterns during gait initiation in older adults with various stages of frailty: a biomechanical analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Movement patterns during gait initiation in older adults with various stages of frailty: a biomechanical analysis |
| title_short | Movement patterns during gait initiation in older adults with various stages of frailty: a biomechanical analysis |
| title_sort | movement patterns during gait initiation in older adults with various stages of frailty a biomechanical analysis |
| topic | Biomechanical gait analysis Gait initiation Fried frailty phenotype Fall prevention Eldercare strategies (three-dimensional) motion capture system |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-024-00335-w |
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