A comparison of young and old using three-dimensional motion analyses of gait, sit-to-stand and upper extremity performance

Background and aims: To investigate the gait, sit-to-stand and upper extremity performance in the elderly compared with young adults. Methods: Individuals over 60 and under 35 years old, with no medical, neurological or orthopedic problems participated in this study. Three-dimensional motion analyses of gait, sit-to-stand and upper extremity performance were performed, and results in the two age groups were compared. Results: Compared with the younger cohort, the gait pattern of the elderly included slower velocity, decreased single stance period, decreased maximal knee extension, and decreased ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. On sit-to-stand, the elderly had decreased knee extension angle, minimal knee extension and maximal ankle plantarflexion moment. On hand-at-object, the elderly had reduced maximal angle of shoulder flexion and increased maximal angle of anterior pelvic tilt. On hand-to-head and hand-to-mouth, the elderly had decreased maximal angle of shoulder flexion. Conclusions: The most debilitating motion factors in the elderly were limitation of shoulder flexion and decreased knee extension and ankle plantarflexion. Therapeutic programs for elderly individuals should target maintenance of flexibility and strengthening of ankle plantarflexors, strengthening knee extensors, and maintenance of the shoulder joint ROM.