EFFECTS OF AGE AND SPEED ON PEAK LOWER EXTREMITY JOINT TORQUES DURING GAIT WHEN CONTROLLING SPEED AND STEP LENGTH

摘要

Significant age differences in self-selected gait kinetics have been reported in the literature. These include reduced torque and power at the ankle and increased work at the hip in older adults as compared to young adults [1,2]. The reasons for these differences are complex and not fully understood. It is possible older adults adapt their gait to a safer, more stable gait pattern [3]. However, differences in gait may also be due to age-related neuromuscular changes such as reduced muscle strength in older adults [4].