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A population-based study of sensorimotor factors affecting gait in older people

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 00:55 authored by Michele CallisayaMichele Callisaya, Christopher BlizzardChristopher Blizzard, Schmidt, MD, McGinley, JL, Lord, SR, Srikanth, VK
Background: the study of factors associated with age-related gait decline may assist in developing methods to preserve mobility in older people. Objective: to examine the associations between sensorimotor factors relevant to ageing and gait in the general older population. Design: cross-sectional population-based study. Methods: participants aged 60–86 years (n = 278) were randomly selected using electoral roll sampling. Sensorimotor factors (quadriceps strength, reaction time, postural sway, proprioception and visual contrast sensitivity) were measured using the Physiological Profile Assessment. Gait variables (speed, cadence, step length, double support phase and step width) were recorded with a GAITRite walkway. Linear regression was used to model relationships between sensorimotor and gait variables. Results: mean age of participants was 72.4 (7.0) years with 154 (55%) males. Better quadriceps strength, reaction time and postural sway (in men) predicted faster gait speed due to their effects on step length and/or cadence. Body weight (in men)and visual contrast sensitivity (in women) were modifying factors in these relationships. Better postural sway, reaction time (in men) and quadriceps strength (in women) predicted reduced double support phase. Modifying factors were quadriceps strength (in men) and proprioception (in women). Postural sway was the sole predictor of step width and in women only. Conclusion: potentially modifiable sensorimotor factors were associated with a range of gait measures, with a different pattern of individual associations and interactions seen between the sexes. These results provide further mechanistic insights towards explaining age-related gait decline in the general older population.

History

Publication title

Age and Ageing

Volume

38

Pagination

290-295

ISSN

0002-0729

Department/School

Menzies Institute for Medical Research

Publisher

Oxford Univ Press

Place of publication

Great Clarendon St, Oxford, England, Ox2 6Dp

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Health related to ageing

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    University Of Tasmania

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