A comparison of young and old using three-dimensional motion analyses of gait, sit-to-stand and upper extremity performance.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the gait, sit-to-stand and upper extremity performance in the elderly compared with young adults.


METHODS
Individuals over 60 and under 35 years old, with no medical, neurological or orthopedic problems participated in this study. Three-dimensional motion analyses of gait, sit-to-stand and upper extremity performance were performed, and results in the two age groups were compared.


RESULTS
Compared with the younger cohort, the gait pattern of the elderly included slower velocity, decreased single stance period, decreased maximal knee extension, and decreased ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. On sit-to-stand, the elderly had decreased knee extension angle, minimal knee extension and maximal ankle plantarflexion moment. On hand-at-object, the elderly had reduced maximal angle of shoulder flexion and increased maximal angle of anterior pelvic tilt. On hand-to-head and hand-to-mouth, the elderly had decreased maximal angle of shoulder flexion.


CONCLUSIONS
The most debilitating motion factors in the elderly were limitation of shoulder flexion and decreased knee extension and ankle plantarflexion. Therapeutic programs for elderly individuals should target maintenance of flexibility and strengthening of ankle plantarflexors, strengthening knee extensors, and maintenance of the shoulder joint ROM.
Lee
Jung Hwan
JH
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wooridul Spine Hospital, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Chun
Min Ho
MH
Jang
Dae Hyun
DH
Ahn
Jun Su
JS
Yoo
Jong Yoon
JY
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009038:Motion; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology*