Foot-ground clearance characteristics in women: A comparison across different ages

Publication date: March 2019

Source: Gait & Posture, Volume 69

Author(s): Darlan Martins Ribeiro, Guilherme Augusto Santos Bueno, Flavia Martins Gervásio, Ruth Losada de Menezes

Abstract

Background

Tripping is a common event leading to falls amongst elderly. Minimum foot clearance (MFC) is a critical swing phase control factor associated with tripping and falls.

Research question

Are there differences in MFC characteristics among three age groups of women and are there association between MFC and lower limb kinematics?

Methods

Cross-sectional observational study. Three-dimensional gait analysis of 55 healthy women. ANOVA was used to compare (p<0.05) MFC characteristics among young, middle-aged and elderly groups. Multiple Linear Regression Analysis was used to test prediction over MFC.

Results

Elderly women walked slower, with lower MFC and lower maximum foot velocity during swing (MFV) than young and middle-aged women. There were more hip flexion and less ankle dorsiflexion during MFC among elderly. There is a strong positive relationship between dorsiflexion and MFC. And ankle dorsiflexion was the most predictive variable over MFC.

Significance

Elderly women walk slower with lower MFC value and less ankle dorsiflexion than gender-matched young controls. Increased hip flexion may represent a gait adaptation to avoid tripping. Gait speed had no effect on those findings.

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