Relationship between joint angles and gait parameters in healthy older adults aged 60 ~ 80 years.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the association between trunk, hip, knee, and ankle joint angles and gait parameters in healthy older adults, with a focus on analyzing gender differences, and to evaluate the independent predictive ability of joint angles for walking function.

METHODS

Gait analysis was performed on 60-80-year-old healthy older adults without motor dysfunction. The "Walker View" treadmill captured maximum joint angles at the trunk, hip, knee, and ankle joints, along with gait parameters during walking. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to examine the relationship between joint angles and gait parameters, with separate assessments for gender differences.

RESULTS

Compared to females, males exhibited significantly greater right hip extension and bilateral ankle plantar flexion angles. Females demonstrated significantly greater bilateral knee extension and left ankle dorsiflexion angles. Trunk flexion angle negatively correlated with total steps and step frequency in males, while joint angles in females showed stronger associations with speed and step length. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that most joint angles served as independent predictors of gait parameters such as walking speed and step length, with high model fit (maximum R2 reaching 79%).

CONCLUSION

Trunk and lower limb joint angles in healthy older adults are closely related to gait parameters. This suggests that gender differences should be fully considered when designing walking functional training or rehabilitation programs for older adults. Tailored exercise rehabilitation plans should be developed to delay gait function decline, enhance walking ability, and improve quality of life in older adults.