Abstract des Autors

Maintaining gait proficiency as we age is essential for living independently. Age-related changes across the life span during level surface locomotion has been the topic of many investigations. These studies have demonstrated changes in spatial-temporal characteristics, joint kinematics and kinetics and total body center of mass (TBCM) excursion. As important as these studies have been for developing fall prevention intervention programs, deviations from level surfaces are a commonly encountered environmental constraint faced during activities of daily living. These conditions impose unique challenges to the sensory and motor components of the locomotor system. Uphill and downhill surfaces are frequently encountered when entering buildings and elevated structures. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to compare spatial-temporal characteristics and medial-lateral TBCM kinematics between young and older adults during gait on level, uphill, and downhill surfaces. (geändert)