Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine (대한물리의학회지)

The Korean Society of Physical Medicine (대한물리의학회)
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Effect of Carrying Weight on the Gait of Elderly Women when using a Walking Assistant Vehicle

  • Roh, Hyo-Lyun (Department of Physical Therapy, Kangwon National University) ;
  • Son, Sung-Min (Department of Emergency Medical Service Rehabilitation, Kangwon National University Graduate School) ;
  • Kwag, Sung-Won (Department of Emergency Medical Service Rehabilitation, Kangwon National University Graduate School)
  • Received : 2018.06.15
  • Accepted : 2018.08.06
  • Published : 2018.11.30
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Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to analyze the effects of carrying weight on the gait of elderly women using a walking-assistant vehicle (WAV) as the weight increased. METHODS: A total of 30 elderly women living in the local community were included as subjects and instructed to walk 50 m using a WAV loaded with sandbags corresponding to 0%, 5%, 10%, or 15% of their mean weight. The subjects' gait was analyzed using a gait analyzer to measure stride length, step length, step width, and gait time. RESULTS: Stride and step lengths were longest when carrying 5% of their weight and shortest when carrying 15% of their mean body weight. Step width and gait time were lowest when carrying weights corresponding to 5% and highest for 15% of their mean body weight. When observing gait with a WAV, the gait time was greatly affected by weights, with carrying weight equivalent to 5% of the body weight positively affected the gait with a WAV, whereas carrying weights of >15% resulted in slower gait speed. CONCLUSION: When walking with a WAV, an appropriate carrying weight of approximately 5% of the body weight stabilizes gait, while a weight of 15% leads decreased gait efficiency. Therefore, when using a WAV during outdoor activities, elderly women should add some weight to the WAV; however, the carrying weight should be <15% of the body weight.

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References

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