AGE-RELATED CHANGES OF JOINT KINEMATICS DURING GAIT MOTION AMONG JAPANESE FEMALE ADULTS

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between age and walking motion of female adults (19-86 years) with independent walking ability. The walking motion with self-selected speed was measured with 3D motion analysis systems. Generally, the cadence was increased while step length was decreased with advanced age. In contrast to younger female, a larger hip joint flexion and extension with a smaller ankle joint plantar-flexion were observed among older female. In summary, this study presented the differences in gait characteristics of female at different age groups. There were strong relationships between age, and increased hip flexion and decreased ankle plantar-flexion from terminal stance phase to initial swing phase.