The association between fear of falling and smoothness of lower trunk oscillation in gait varies according to gait speed in community-dwelling older adults

• DOI: 10.1186/s12984-016-0211-0
• Publication Date: 2017-01-19T05:41:53Z
• Authors: Tsuyoshi Asai; Shogo Misu; Ryuichi Sawa; Takehiko Doi; Minoru Yamada
• Keywords: STRIDE; Fear of falling

Fear of falling (FoF) is common in community-dwelling older adults. FoF and increased walking speed are associated with lower trunk oscillation during gait We hypothesized that adults would struggle to walk safely when instructed faster than usual.Participants included 260 aged over 65 years (mean age = 71.9 ± 3.9 years) who were able independently without an assistive device. Participants along a 15-m smooth horizontal walkway at self-selected normal fast speeds. During the middle 10 m walk, stride times measured two accelerometers. examined associations between variables, including harmonic ratio (HR) vertical, mediolateral (HR-ML) anteroposterior (HR-AP) directions as indicators smoothness oscillation, well time variability (STV) FoF.Gait-speed- STV- adjusted models showed was significantly HR-ML normal-gait condition (HR-ML: β - .135, p .040), while HR-AP fast-gait (HR-AP: .154, .017).FoF-related changes vary speed. In FoF, less lateral direction they walked their usual pace. addition, also travel pace