Comparable Stride Time Fractal Dynamics and Gait Adaptability in Active Young and Older Adults Under Normal and Asymmetric Walking.

ABSTRACT: Previous research indicates the correlation structure of gait parameters (i.e., fractal dynamics) decreases with age. This decrease is suggested to reflect a reduced capacity for locomotor adaptation in older adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential differences between physical activity-matched young and older adults' fractal dynamics and gait adaptability during unperturbed and asymmetric walking, and to determine if fractal dynamics predict adaptive capacity. Fifteen young (28.9 ± 5.6 years, nine women) and 15 older (64.7 ± 2.7, nine women) adults with similar habitual physical activity levels walked at preferred speed, half of preferred speed, and asymmetrically whereby their dominant and non-dominant legs moved at preferred and half-preferred speed, respectively.

SUBMITTER: Ducharme SW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6823242 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature