Fast gait spatiotemporal parameters in adults and association with muslce strength - The Yishun Study

​Background
There is limited data on fast gait speed and spatial-temporal parameters across age  groups among Asian adults, and the associations between upper and lower extremity muscle strength with gait,

Research Question

What values characterise fast gait spatiotemporal parameters across the age groups of an Asian population? Are hand grip strength (HGS) and knee extension strength (KES) associated with fast gait speed and spatiotemporal parameters.

Methods
Healthy community-living adults between 21-90 years (n = 487) were recruited. Fast gait was assessed using a 6 m instrumented walkway, and spatiotemporal parameters inclusing variability for fast gait speed, stride length, stride width, stride time, stance time, swing time, single support time and double support time were analysed. Maximum HGS and KES were also assessed. Linear regression modelling was used to explore the association of HGS and KES with fast gait speed, spatiotemporal parameters and their variability.

Results
Age reduced fast gait speed and stride length, but increased stride width, stance time, stride time and double support time. Age increased all investigated gait variabilities except stride width variability. Gender differences were observed for all gait features except for fast gait speed and double support time. Both HGS and KES were positively associated with fast gait speed in both young and old adults. KES was positively associated with spatiotemporal variations in stride length, stride time, stance time and double support time. HGS was also significantly associated with two additional temporal parameters - positively with swing time and negatively with double support time variability.

Significance

The data from this study contributes to reference values database for the use of fast gait assessments in adults.

SOURCE:
Gait and Posture

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.01.001

AUTHOR(S):
Abdul Jabbar K, Seah WT, Lau LK, Pang BW, Ng DH, Tan QL, Chen KK, Mallya Ullal J, Ng TP, Wee SL