Investigation of Biomechanical Parameters and Their Association with Age in the Case of Elderly Women

Gait and balance disorders are common in older adults and they are independent predictors for the functional decline resulting in various degrees of disability and loss of independence. Gait disorders have multiple causes, they have a progressive course and may negatively impact the functional performances. Many gait disorders appear in connection with underlying diseases. The incidence of gait deficiencies is greater in older women. Non-neurological causes are more often identified. Painful joint deformities are common causes of gait disturbances in elderly. The study proposes to identify the influence of age on the walking speed and the support phase during walking. The study included 100 female volunteers, aged between 55 and 87. The subjects participated in the measurement of biomechanical parameters using AMTI's AccuGait System, while speed was determined using a speed measurement system placed above the ground reaction force measuring platform. It was found that there are statistically significant differences among the three age groups in terms of walking speed and support phase.