The Comparative Study on Age-associated Gait Analysis in Normal Korean

Purpose: This study was done to establish reference data for temporo-spatial, kinematic and kinetic parameters for normal Koreans as they age. Methods: Normal adults and children without a previous history of musculoskeletal problems were enrolled in this study. The normal subjects were divided by age into three groups: Group I: children ($11.95{\pm}0.29$ years); Group II: young adults ($23.90{\pm}3.67$ years); Group III: older adults ($71.40{\pm}4.08$ years). The temporo-spatial and kinematic data were measured using 6 MX3 cameras while each subject walked through a 10 m walkway at a self-selected speed. The kinetic data were measured using 2 force plates and were calculated by inverse dynamics. Results: Motion patterns are typically associated with a specific phase of the gait cycle. Our results were as follows: 1. There were significant differences between the different age groups in temporo-spatial parameters such as cadence, double support, time of foot off, stride length, step length, and walking speed. 2. There were significant differences between the groups in kinematic parameters such as range of motion (ROM) of the hip, knee and ankle in the sagittal plane, ROM of the pelvis, hip and knee in the coronal plane and ROM of the pelvis, hip and ankle in the transverse plane. 3. There were significant differences between the groups in kinetic parameters such as joint moments of force, joint mechanical power generation or absorption and ground reaction forces. Conclusion: The results of this study can be utilized (a) as a reference for kinematic and kinetic data of gait analysis in normal Koreans, and (b) as an aide in evaluating and treating patients who have problems relating to gait.

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