The step length-frequency relationship in physically active community-dwelling older women

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2008 Oct;104(3):427-34. doi: 10.1007/s00421-008-0795-6. Epub 2008 Jun 14.

Abstract

This study evaluated the step length-frequency relationship in physically active community-dwelling older women in order to investigate whether the relationship between these two spatio-temporal gait parameters changes with increasing age. Forty older women in four age groups, i.e. 64-69, 70-74, 75-79 and 80-85 year olds, participated in the study. Subjects walked at five different self-selected speeds and while simultaneously performing an additional cognitive and/or upper-extremity motor task. Gait parameters were determined from forward accelerations measured by a tri-axial accelerometer on the lower back. All subjects demonstrated a strong linear relationship between step length and step frequency for walking at different speeds. No evidence for a change in the step length-frequency relationship with age was found, suggesting that there are no differences between physically active older women of different age groups regarding the adoption of a "cautious gait", i.e. a gait pattern characterized by a reduced step length.

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration
  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Age Distribution
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Cognition*
  • Female
  • Gait*
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity*
  • Time Factors
  • Walking*