A Comparison of the Center of Pressure during Stair Descent in Young and Healthy Elderly Adults

Abstract

Abstract.[Purpose]The purpose of this study was to investigate the center of pressure (COP) trajectory during stair descent in young and healthy elderly adults.[Subjects] Fifteen community-dwelling healthy elderly adults (mean age, 73.1 ± 4.3 years) and 15 healthy young adults (mean age, 23.6 ± 2.4 years) volunteered to participate in this study.[Methods] Subjects stood in a predetermined position on the top of a staircase. Participants were then instructed to descend the staircase with three steps at a self-paced speed and continue for several strides after striking the force platform on the floor. Participants were required to place only one foot on each step (foot-over-foot) at a time. Performance was assessed by recording changes in the displacement of COP in the anteroposterior (A-P) and mediolateral (M-L) directions as well as recording the average velocity of COP by the use of two force platforms.[Results] The A-P and M-L displacements of COP as well as the average velocity of COP of the elderly were significantly lower than those of the young adults for both the right and the left feet (p<0.01).[Conclusion] The COP shift and velocity during stair descent might be appropriate parameters for identifying risk factors associated with stair-based accidents or falling.

The Effectiveness of Community-Based Tai Chi Training on Balance Control during Stair Descent by Older Adults

“…In previous studies, Chris et al 33) and Kim 34) have demonstrated increased backward movement of the COP after Tai Chi training in fallprone adults. Interestingly, TC participants were able to increase the magnitude of the A-P displacement of the COP closer to the magnitude reported for more healthy elderly subjects 52) , whereas WE participants showed little change in the displacement of the A-P COP.…”

Relationship between stair ambulation with and without a handrail and centre of pressure velocities during stair ascent and descent

“…Dynamic stability during gait is the ability to control one's centre of mass (COM) within a moving base of support [10][11][12]. Centre of pressure (COP) has been defined as the neuromuscular response to shifts in the body's COM and measures of COP have been used as an indicator of dynamic stability [10,12].…”

“…Centre of pressure (COP) has been defined as the neuromuscular response to shifts in the body's COM and measures of COP have been used as an indicator of dynamic stability [10,12]. Previous studies have quantified displacement of the COM and COM-COP separation during level walking [13] and stair ambulation [11,14].…”

“…Only one study has assessed age-related changes of the COP trajectory during stair descent. Kim [12] reported that older adults displayed significantly less anterior-posterior and medio-lateral Introduction: Stair ambulation is one of the most challenging and hazardous types of locomotion for older adults and often requires the adoption of compensatory strategies such as increased handrail use to mitigate disability and increase stability. Centre of pressure velocity (VCOP) describes the neuromuscular response to shifts of the body's centre of mass and serves as an indicator of stability.…”

“…displacements of the COP and reduced VCOP compared to their younger counterparts, indicating that slower COP movement may be beneficial in maintaining dynamic stability while a faster COP motion may make it more difficult to maintain stability [12]. Currently, we have little understanding of stability during various stair negotiation strategies in older adults.…”