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

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  • Jessica Espinoza-Araneda

    (Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
    Interuniversity Center for Healthy Aging, Curico 3340000, Chile)

  • Valeria Bravo-Carrasco

    (Faculty of Engineering, University of Talca, Curico 3340000, Chile)

  • Cristian Álvarez

    (Interuniversity Center for Healthy Aging, Curico 3340000, Chile
    Department of Health, University of Los Lagos, Osorno 5290000, Chile
    Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile)

  • Gabriel Nasri Marzuca-Nassr

    (Interuniversity Center for Healthy Aging, Curico 3340000, Chile
    Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile)

  • Carmen Luz Muñoz-Mendoza

    (Interuniversity Center for Healthy Aging, Curico 3340000, Chile
    Nursing Department, Faculty of Health and Food Sciences, University of Bío-Bío, Chillan 3780000, 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
    Interuniversity Center for Healthy Aging, Curico 3340000, Chile)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessica Espinoza-Araneda & Valeria Bravo-Carrasco & Cristian Álvarez & Gabriel Nasri Marzuca-Nassr & Carmen Luz Muñoz-Mendoza & Javier Muñoz & Cristian Caparrós-Manosalva, 2022. "Postural Balance and Gait Parameters of Independent Older Adults: A Sex Difference Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:4064-:d:782361
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simon Schedler & Rainer Kiss & Thomas Muehlbauer, 2019. "Age and sex differences in human balance performance from 6-18 years of age: A systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(4), pages 1-28, April.
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