Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of air pressure body weight support treadmill (AP-BWST) on the gait cycle cadence steplengthof the frail elderly. [Subjects] The study subjects were 20 frail elderly attending a day-care facility. [Methods] AP-BWST is, use the Anti-Gravity TreadmillⓇ. Walking speed was 2 km /h, body weight support (BWS) was carried out at Full Weight Bearing (FWB), 20% BWS,40% BWS. The trunk acceleration at the time of each walking is measured and calculated maximum amplitude value and one walking cycle, walking rate, the stride. [Results] FWB and 20% BWS, in comparison FWB and 40% BWS, gait cycle extended cadence decreased step length expanded (p<0.01). In comparison to 20% BWS and 40% BWS, significant change I was not seen. [Conclusion] The results of this study AP-BWST the frail elderly,by body weight support walking (20% BWS, 40% BWS), gait cycle extended cadence decreased step length expanded was suggested that changes in the walking pattern.
