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Associations between gait-related falls and gait adaptations when stepping onto a curb: A prospective falls study
Van Andel, Steven Cole, Michael H. Pepping, Gert-Jan
Van Andel, Steven
Cole, Michael H.
Pepping, Gert-Jan
Abstract
Objectives. Examine gait regulation during the approach to stepping onto a curb for older adults who did or did not report gait-related falls over a 12-month follow-up. Methods. Ninety-eight participants aged 60 years and older were analyzed. Primary outcomes were step length adaptations (lengthening or shortening) during a curb approach and the occurrence of a gait-related fall during a 12-month follow-up. Results. Linear-mixed effects modelling indicated stronger adaptations towards the end of the approach. Participants who reported experiencing a gait-related fall showed a stronger relationship between the adjustment required and adjustment produced; indicating different gait adaptations during the step leading onto the curb. Discussion. The link between prospective gait-related falls and gait-adaptations indicated that older adults with reduced capabilities require stronger adaptations to complete tasks reminiscent of everyday life. This finding may provide insight into the mechanisms of falls in older adults and should inform new falls prevention interventions.
Keywords
Perceptual-Motor Coupling, Locomotor Pointing, Functional Approach to Ageing, Falls Risks, Prospective Falls Diaries
Date
2019
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
Book
Volume
27
Issue
3
Page Range
309-315
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as green open access
License
File Access
Controlled
Open
Open
Notes
Accepted author manuscript version reprinted, by permission, from Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2019, 27 (3), pp. 309 - 315, https://www.doi.org/10.1123/japa.2018-0124 . © Human Kinetics, Inc.