An analysis on the Comparison of the Center of Pressure, Gait Angle, and Gait Time between Female College Students and Elderly Women

Abstract

Dae-gun Kim•Hyun-Joo Kang. An analysis on the Comparison of the Center of Pressure, Gait Angle, and Gait Time between Female College Students and Elderly Women. KINESIOLOGY, 2017, 19(2): 61-67. [PURPOSE] Gait pattern has been reported one of major predictors of adverse outcomes in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aging on center of pressure, gait angle and gait time. [METHODS] 29 healthy female college students(FCS) and 28 elderly women(EW) were recruited for this study. A gait analysis system(Gaitview, Korea) was used to collect the center of pressure in static state and gait angle with gait time in dynamic state. [RESULTS] Results of the center of pressure did not show significant differences between two groups. In the gait angle test, the FCS showed 1.56±5.2°on their left while the EW showed 9.76±6.54°o n their left. In their right, the FCS showed 2.85±6.47°and the EW showed 10.27±6.97°. In the gait angle test, there was significant difference. A significant difference was evident in the gait time. the FCS on the left was 0.87±0.1sec while the EW's was 1.28±0.44sec. The FCS on the right was 0.86±0.09sec and the EW was 1.1±0.21sec. The results revealed that the decrease in the musculoskeletal system and changes in posture through aging make the gait angle. Elderly may need to leave their feet on the ground longer for stability slowing their movement. [CONCLUSIONS] In conclusion, it is advisable to develop an exercise program for the elderly focusing on stability the prevention of falls.