The impact of slip perturbations on minimum toe clearance during walking in younger and older adults
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the kinematic differences in minimum toe clearance (MTC), a risk factor for falls, between older and younger adults during habitual walking and treadmill-induced slip perturbations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 28 older adults and 30 younger adults were analyzed for this study. Each subject was fitted with whole-body retroreflective markers for 3D motion capture and walked habitually and while responding to treadmill-induced slip perturbations. Minimum toe clearance and leg joint kinematics were obtained and compared between groups and across conditions. RESULTS: There was no difference in MTC between age groups during habitual walking (Older: 5.75 ± 1.08 cm, Younger: 5.45 ± 0.93 cm, p = 0.125). Independent of age, MTC increased significantly in response to treadmill-induced slips (p < 0.001). However, significant age × condition interactions revealed that older adults increased MTC significantly less than younger adults in response to treadmill-induced slips. Older adults walked with significantly less knee flexion (31.4 ± 9.9° vs. 41.3 ± 11.9°; p < 0.001) and significantly more hip internal rotation (6.5 ± 6.3° vs. 3.8 ± 6.3°; p = 0.004) than younger adults during slip perturbations. CONCLUSIONS: This study builds on prior work to conclude that, compared to younger adults, older adults appear to have a diminished capacity to instinctively increase MTC during walking in response to slip-like balance perturbations, which may allow them lesser time to accommodate instability.
Source: PLoS ONE
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,382
OpenAlex ID: W4410638688