Gait analysis of frail elderly using correlation values between MFC and lower limb joint angles

Abstract

Preventing falls and improving gait function in the elderly is crucial for addressing the increasing number of care recipients and extending healthy life expectancy. Elderly individuals with potential for improvement in motor function due to age-related decline in muscle strength are referred to as frail elderly. Therefore, gait measurement experiments were conducted targeting frail elderly individuals. This study focused on a gait parameter called Minimum Foot Clearance (MFC). Decreased MFC increases the risk of stumbling due to contact between the foot and the ground, leading to an increased risk of falls. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the gait parameters that influence the increase or decrease in MFC. Correlation analysis was conducted using MFC and other gait parameters, revealing that the upper leg angle at MFC was a parameter that may influence changes in MFC.