Spatiotemporal gait characteristics across the adult lifespan: Reference values from a healthy population - Analysis of the COmPLETE cohort study

Abstract

Background: Gait changes with aging have been investigated, but few studies have examined a wide range of gait parameters across the adult lifespan. This study aimed to investigate gait differences across age groups stratified by sex.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 629 healthy, normal-weight (i.e., BMI < 30 kg/m²) participants from Switzerland of the COmPLETE cohort study, aged 20 to over 90 years. Gait metrics were assessed using an inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based gait analysis system, including speed, cycle duration variability, asymmetry, stride length, cycle duration, cadence, double support, stance (time foot is on the ground during a gait cycle), swing (time foot is in the air during a gait cycle), loading (early part of the stance phase), foot-flat (mid-stance phase when foot is flat), and pushing (late stance phase leading to toe-off) phases. Percentile curves were calculated using generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape.

Results: Gait data from 545 participants (273 men and 272 women) were analyzed. Participants were equally distributed across the seven age decades, with an average of 40 men and 40 women representing every decade. Both men and women showed a reduction in gait speed and stride length, and an increase in cycle duration variability and asymmetry with aging. Gait speed and stride length declined across the age groups, with a significant difference found in participants aged 80 to 91 compared to younger age groups.

Significance: Age-related changes in gait parameters were seen in both men and women. These may be attributed to the typical decline in muscle strength, balance, coordination, and neuromuscular function. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of gait changes throughout the lifespan and can be used for comparison with other populations and as reference values for individual patients.

Keywords: Aging; Inertial measurement unit-based gait analysis; Normative data; Quantile curves; Sex differences.