title: Age-Related Differences in Locomotor Strategies During Adaptive Walking.
abstract: Simultaneous control of lower limb stepping movements and trunk motion is important for skilled walking; adapting gait to environmental constraints requires frequent alternations in stepping and trunk motion. These alterations provide a window into the locomotor strategies adopted by the walker. The authors examined gait strategies in young and healthy older adults when manipulating step width. Anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) smoothness (quantified by harmonic ratios) and stepping consistency (quantified by gait variability) were analyzed during narrow and wide walking while controlling cadence to preferred pace. Results indicated older adults preserved ML smoothness at the expense of AP smoothness, shortened their steps, and exhibited reduced stepping consistency. The authors conclude that older adults prioritized ML control over forward progression during adaptive walking challenges.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Physical Therapy , Des Moines University , Des Moines , Iowa.
authors.forename: Kristin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Lowry
authors.affiliation: b Children's Therapy Center, Inc. , Eagan , Minnesota.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sebastian
authors.affiliation: c Department of Medicine , Geriatrics, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Subashan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Perera
authors.affiliation: d Department of Physical Therapy , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Jessie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Swearingen
authors.affiliation: e Department of Kinesiology , Iowa State University , Ames , Iowa.
authors.forename: Ann L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Smiley-Oyen
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: adults; gait; older smoothness; step width