Article

This research examined the prevalence of step turns and spin turns during turning
while walking in healthy older adults. The potential effect of magnitude of the
turn and walking velocity on the prevalence of the step and spin turns were also
investigated by examining the participants' performance as they made 45 degrees
and 90 degrees turns while walking at three different velocities. Results showed
that healthy older adults in our study preferred spin turns while walking either
slower or faster than their natural walking speed. Only during 90 degrees turns
while walking fast the participants showed a preference for step turns over spin
turns. Spin turns are less stable and have a greater biomechanical cost than step
turns. The high incidence of spin turns in older adults may contribute to the
higher risk of falling in this population.

Langue : ANGLAIS