• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.435-440
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of older adult's head-turn gait on gait parameters by comparing with head oriented forward gait and to provide criteria for their risk of falling compared to young adult. Methods: The subjects were 19 young adults in their 20s and 18 older adults in their 60s or above residing in Daegu or Gyeongsangbuk-do. To evaluate their gait parameters, spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured using a gait analysis tool (Legsys, BioSensics, USA) under two conditions: 1) walking while keeping one's eyes forward and 2) walking while turning the head. The measurement for each test was performed after one practice session, and the mean value of three measurements was analyzed. The collected data were statistically processed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare any differences in gait parameters between the two groups under the two conditions. The statistical significance level was set at α=0.05. Results: According to the comparison of gait parameters in young adult and older adult between the head oriented forward gait and head-turn gait, statistically significant differences were observed in two parameters: stride length according to the height ratio and stride speed obtained by dividing the stride length according to the height ratio by time (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the head-turn gait causes greater differences in stride length and speed among older adult than in young adult and therefore can act as a cause of falling.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.91-99
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• 2024

Purpose: Backward walking has shown positive effects on gait recovery in rehabilitation patients. It is increasingly used as an aerobic training method in rehabilitation populations, inducing more sensory and motor stimulation than forward walking. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of visual stimulation during backward walking. Methods: Twenty-seven healthy adults with a visual acuity of 0.8 or higher participated in the study. To compare the effects of visual stimulation during various walking conditions among healthy individuals, the participants randomly selected cards numbered one to six and walked a distance of 10 meters. Walking ability was measured using Optogait. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in speed, stride, and percentages of single support and contact phase during backward walking. Within eyes-closed conditions during backward walking, significant differences were found in percentages of single support, terminal stance, and contact phase. Moreover, the percentage of terminal swing significantly differed during backward walking with head turn conditions. Conclusion: Gait parameters such as speed, stride, and percentages of single support and contact phase were higher during backward walking than forward walking. These results indicate that backward walking involves multiple sensory systems and varying conditions.