2013 Volume 2 Issue 4 Pages 163-167
The purpose of this study was to clarify the contribution of lower limb muscles in different walking speed in elderly inpatients. Parameters of walking at the maximum and slowest speeds were measured in elderly inpatients using an optical gait analysis system. In addition, the quadriceps femoris muscle strength and grip force of the foot were evaluated as representative values of the lower limb muscles. The association between the walking conditions and lower limb muscles was investigated. The grip force of the foot was significantly correlated with the cadence, step length, stride length, and stance and swing phase durations on walking at the slowest speed. The quadriceps femoris muscle strength was significantly correlated with the cadence and stance and swing phase durations on walking at the maximum speed. The grip force of the foot on walking at the maximum speed and quadriceps femoris muscle strength on walking at the slowest speed showed no correlation with any gait parameter. These findings suggested that the grip force of the foot is involved in stabilizing the posture during walking at the slowest speed,whereas the quadriceps femoris muscle strength plays a major role as a driving force moving the body forward.