Postural Balance and Gait Parameters of Independent Older Adults: A Sex Difference Analysis

Jessica Espinoza-Araneda, Valeria Bravo-Carrasco, Cristian Álvarez, Gabriel Nasri Marzuca-Nassr, Carmen Luz Muñoz-Mendoza, Javier Muñoz and Cristian Caparrós-Manosalva
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Jessica Espinoza-Araneda: Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
Valeria Bravo-Carrasco: Faculty of Engineering, University of Talca, Curico 3340000, Chile
Cristian Álvarez: Interuniversity Center for Healthy Aging, Curico 3340000, Chile
Gabriel Nasri Marzuca-Nassr: Interuniversity Center for Healthy Aging, Curico 3340000, Chile
Carmen Luz Muñoz-Mendoza: Interuniversity Center for Healthy Aging, Curico 3340000, Chile
Javier Muñoz: Faculty of Engineering, University of Talca, Curico 3340000, Chile
Cristian Caparrós-Manosalva: Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 7, 1-11

Abstract: Postural balance and gait are important factors in the functional status of older people; however, few studies have addressed differences by sex. The objective of this study was to analyze the postural balance and temporal–spatial parameters of gait in independent older adults by sex. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Thirty-eight independent older women (69 ± 5 years), and 33 men (71 ± 5 years) were evaluated. The postural balance test with open and closed eyes was performed on two surfaces (hard/soft) on a force platform. Gait was recorded with cameras to analyze cycle duration and speed, step length, stride length, and foot clearance. The area of postural balance was greater in men in all tests ( p < 0.001). Foot clearance height and cycle duration were lower in women ( p < 0.05). Men showed a negative correlation between the area of balance and gait parameters. In women, a positive correlation was observed between foot clearance and balance with eyes closed. The postural balance and gait suggest discrepancies by sex, showing that older men behave differently according to the requirement of the motor task compared to women. These findings suggest being corroborated in more complex studies in the future.

Keywords: postural balance; gait analysis; aging; sex distribution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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