INVESTIGATING SOURCES OF AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN WALKING MECHANICS

Abstract

Walking is one of the most common activities of daily living and represents independence and improved quality of life, particularly among older adults. However, many older adults report substantial mobility challenges, which may be associated with age-related differences in lower-extremity gait kinetics. These differences are summarily referred to as a ‘distal to proximal shift’ of joint moments and powers, and are characterized by smaller ankle kinetics and larger hip kinetics in older vs. young adults. Although age-related differences in walking mechanics are well-documented, there is little consensus about which biomechanical factors contribute to these differences. Addressing this gap in knowledge is an important step in determining if this shift is prev