Influence of aging on the control of the whole-body angular momentum during volitional stepping: An UCM-based analysis.

Evidence suggests that whole-body angular momentum (WBAM) is a highly controlled mechanical variable for performing our daily motor activities safely and efficiently. Recent findings have revealed that, compared to young adults, older adults exhibit larger range of WBAM during various motor tasks, such as walking and stepping. However, it remains unclear whether these age-related changes are ascribed to a poorer control of WBAM with age or not.

Segmental contribution to whole-body angular momentum during stepping in healthy young and old adults.

Recent evidence suggests that during volitional stepping older adults control whole-body angular momentum (H) less effectively than younger adults, which may impose a greater challenge for balance control during this task in the elderly. This study investigated the influence of aging on the segment angular momenta and their contributions to H during stepping. Eighteen old and 15 young healthy adults were instructed to perform a series of stepping at two speed conditions: preferred and as fast as possible.

Effect of increasing speed on whole-body angular momentum during stepping in the elderly.

Recent evidence suggests that older adults may have difficulty controlling whole-body angular momentum (H) during volitional stepping, which could impose a major challenge for balance control and result in potential falls. However, it is not known if and how H is influenced by speed when stepping. This study aimed to investigate the effect on H of increasing speed during step initiation in older adults.

Age-related changes in the control of whole-body angular momentum during stepping.

Background: Appropriate control of whole-body angular momentum (H) is crucial to maintain dynamic balance and thus avoid falling during daily activities. Poor H control ability during locomotion has been found in people with an increased risk of falling, such as post-stroke patients and amputees. In contrast, little is known about the control of H during locomotion in the elderly.

Influence of gait speed on free vertical moment during walking.

Free vertical moment (FVM) of ground reaction is recognized to be a meaningful indicator of torsional stress on the lower limbs when walking. The purpose of this study was to examine whether and how gait speed influences the FVM when walking. Fourteen young healthy adults performed a series of overground walking trials at three different speeds: low, preferred and fast.