Publication
Title
Do spatiotemporal parameters and gait variability differ across the lifespan of healthy adults? A systematic review
Author
Abstract
Background Aging is often associated with changes in the musculoskeletal system, peripheral and central nervous system. These age-related changes often result in mobility problems influencing gait performance. Compensatory strategies are used as a way to adapt to these physiological changes. Research question The aim of this review is to investigate the differences in spatiotemporal and gait variability measures throughout the healthy adult life. Methods This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO database (no. CRD42017057720). Databases MEDLINE (Pubmed), Web of Science (Web of Knowledge), Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect were systematically searched until March 2018. Results Eighteen of the 3195 original studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. The majority of studies reported spatiotemporal and gait variability measures in adults above the age of 65, followed by the young adult population, information of middle-aged adults is lacking. Spatiotemporal parameters and gait variability measures were extracted from 2112 healthy adults between 18 and 98 years old and, in general, tend to deteriorate with increasing age. Variability measures were only reported in an elderly population and show great variety between studies. Significance The findings of this review suggest that most spatiotemporal parameters significantly differ across different age groups. Elderly populations show a reduction of preferred walking speed, cadence, step and stride length, all related to a more cautious gait, while gait variability measures remain stable over time. A preliminary framework of normative reference data is provided, enabling insights into the influence of aging on spatiotemporal parameters, however spatiotemporal parameters of middle-aged adults should be investigated more thoroughly.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Gait and posture. - Oxford
Publication
Clare : Elsevier ireland ltd , 2018
ISSN
0966-6362
DOI
10.1016/J.GAITPOST.2018.06.012
Volume/pages
64 (2018) , p. 181-190
ISI
000437304400032
Pubmed ID
29929161
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Identification of gait adaptability strategies in healthy adults, patients with vestibular dysfunction and stroke patients.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 16.07.2018
Last edited 04.03.2024
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