Trunk Movement Characteristics of the Elderly at Gait Initiation

Abstract

[Purpose] In this study, we aimed to verify the trunk motion characteristics of anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) of the elderly at gait initiation. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 10 healthy young controls and 10 elderly persons. Measurements were made using a center of gravity measurement instrument, surface electromyograms, and accelerometers. Accelerometers were attached to the neck (C7), lower back (L3) and pelvis (S1), and surface electromyograms of the bilateral gluteus medius and erector spinae muscles were recorded. [Results] In the elderly, activities of the gluteus medius of the stepping side and the erector spinae of the stance side were recognized prior to the onset of movement of the center of pressure (COP). In controls, however, no activity was observed in the bilateral erector spinae muscles. Accelerometer analysis showed displacement of the upper trunk toward the stepping side in the control, while it was toward the stance side in the elderly. [Conclusion] APAs at gait initiation in the elderly were characterized by the activity of the erector spinae muscle of the stance side and upper trunk displacement toward the stance side.