Article

Walking barefoot or in socks is common for ambulating indoors and has been
reported to be associated with increased risk of falls and related injuries in
the elderly. This study sought to determine if gait patterns differed between
these two conditions for young and older adults. A motion analysis system was
used to record and calculate the stride characteristics and motion of the body's
center of mass (COM) of 21 young and 20 older adults. For the walking tasks, the
participants walked on a smooth floor surface at their preferred speed either
barefoot or in socks in a random order. The socks were commercially available and
commonly used. The results demonstrated that while walking in socks, compared
with walking barefoot, older adults adopted a more cautious gait pattern
including decreased walking speed and shortened stride length as well as reduced
COM minimal velocity during the single limb support phase. Young adults, however,
did not demonstrate significant changes. These findings suggest that walking with
socks might present a greater balance threat for older adults. Clinically, safety
precautions about walking in socks should be considered to be given to older
adults, especially those with balance deficits.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS