Article

Despite the general perception that women and men walk differently, little is
known about the reasons for these differences, especially in older adults.
Previous work on gender differences in older adults has focused on spatiotemporal
parameters. This study aims to assess gender-related differences in gait
spatiotemporal and quality parameters when walking on a flat walkway at two
different self-selected speeds: comfortable and fast. Sensorimotor abilities
(Strength, agility, standing balance, reaction time) were also compared by
gender, and gender-specific associations between spatiotemporal and sensorimotor
parameters and gait quality were studied. Two tri-axial accelerometers were used
at head and pelvis levels to investigate spatiotemporal parameters (step length,
velocity and cadence), and gait quality (harmonic ratios (HR) and attenuation of
accelerations between body levels) in 122 older adults (90 women, 69.7+/-5.1 y.o.
and 32 men, 71.6+/-6.4 y.o.). Both men and women walked with similar speed;
however women presented faster cadence and shorter steps than men at both walking
speeds. Women also walked with greater vertical HR (head and pelvis),
mediolateral pelvis HR, and attenuation (mediolateral and anteroposterior) than
men. Women had better control of standing balance on foam (eyes open and closed)
and tandem test. Moreover, balance on foam, tandem test, step length and cadence
were associated to gender-specific gait quality parameters. The aging process
seems to be affecting men and women differently, thus, gender differences should
be considered when preparing intervention programs to improve balance and gait in
older populations or when establishing normative data for balance and gait in older adults.
CI - Copyright (c) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS