More push from your push-off: Joint-level modifications to modulate propulsive forces in old age.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Compared to young adults, older adults walk with smaller propulsive forces and a redistribution to more proximal leg muscles for power generation during push-off. Despite this deficit in propulsive function, older adults can increase push-off intensity when encouraged to via real-time biofeedback. However, the specific joint-level modifications used by older adults to enhance propulsive force generation has yet to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to identify the joint-level modifications used by young and older adults to modulate propulsive forces when walking at their preferred speed.

Methods

9 young and 16 older adults walked at their preferred speed while visual biofeedback prompted them to modulate their propulsive forces using targets prescribed

SUBMITTER: Browne MG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6082565 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature