Article

Stair negotiation is an essential skill required for independent mobility, and is
described by older adults as a challenging task that is associated with high fall
risk. Little is known about the age-related changes in joint kinetics and the
relative contribution of lower limb joint moments during stair negotiation. This
study characterized lower extremity joint kinetics and their variability
associated with stair ascent and descent in young and older adults. Twenty three
young and 32 older adults (>55 years) participated. Three dimensional, bilateral
gait analysis provided ankle, knee, and hip moment profiles, which in the
sagittal plane were summed to provide the support moment. In addition, intra- and
inter-subject coefficients of variation were calculated for ensemble averaged
curves. Age-related differences were found in the magnitudes of the moment
contributions during event transitions for stair ascent and descent. Within
groups, the moment profiles were generally consistent. Ankle and knee moments
predominantly contributed to extensor support in the sagittal plane. In the
frontal plane, proximal joint abductor moments maintained lateral stability and
were larger at the hip in older adults. Understanding age-related alterations in
movement control during functional tasks can help inform the rehabilitation
management and assessment of patient populations.
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Langue : ANGLAIS