Age-Related Changes in Vertical Ground Reaction Force and its Relationship to the Moments of Lower Limb Joints in Sagittal Plane

Abstract

Walking is one of the most important activities of daily living that plays a vital role in the lives of the elderly as it helps in improving their physical and psychological health. On visual observation, It is easy to notice the difference in gait pattern between young and middle adult people, so the aim of this study was to compare the vertical ground reaction force according to age and to study its relationship with lower limb joints moments when walking at comfortable speed. Eight healthy young people, (20-30) years old, and seven healthy middle adult people, (60-70) years old, volunteered to complete this study. Subjects with any health problem affecting walking were excluded. Spatio-temporal parameters and sagittal kinetic data were obtained and analyzed using 3D optical motion capture system and two force platforms in Biomedical engineering department, Faculty of mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Damascus university. The data of vertical ground reaction force were normalized for weight, and Kinetic data were normalized for weight and height. The statistical study was conducted using the SPSS statistical program by using one-way analysis of covariance and multiple linear regression. The results showed that middle adult people have lower first peak, second peak, and peak minimum of vertical ground reaction force than younger people. The results from multiple linear regression showed that there was statical relation between hip and knee flexion and the first peak force. The minimum value of vertical ground reaction force was related with knee flexion moment. Whereas the second peak force was related to dorsiflex moment at mid and late stance phase. Subsequently, the age-related differences of the vertical ground reaction force resulting from the differences in the lower limb joints moments indicate the need for awareness and attention to the health of the muscular system as people age.