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S. Noguchi1,2, T. Nomura2, M. Ikeya1, T. Jiroumaru1, M. Suzuki1, R. Fujitani1, M. Wachi1, N. Kanazawa1,3, N. Kida2
1Biwako Professional University of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Higashiomi, Japan, 2Kyoto Institute of Technology University, Biotechnology, Kyoto, Japan, 3Kanazawa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic, Ritto, Japan
Background: In Japan, the number of elderly people who need support to conduct their daily activities is increasing. A decreased stride length correlates to a lower level of independence and increased risk of falling. Therefore, it is important to maintain the stride length for as long as possible.
It has also been reported that atrophy of the lower limbs and trunk muscles increases the risk of falling in elderly people. Gait speed is a useful indicator to assess motor function in the elderly; a decreased gait speed correlates with the deterioration of motor control and a reduction in the stride length. A previous study reported that trunk muscle activity increased in association with gait speed, even in the elderly. However, no studies have clarified the relationship between trunk muscles and the stride length. Understanding this relationship is vital to maintain good motor function in elderly people in clinical settings.
It has also been reported that atrophy of the lower limbs and trunk muscles increases the risk of falling in elderly people. Gait speed is a useful indicator to assess motor function in the elderly; a decreased gait speed correlates with the deterioration of motor control and a reduction in the stride length. A previous study reported that trunk muscle activity increased in association with gait speed, even in the elderly. However, no studies have clarified the relationship between trunk muscles and the stride length. Understanding this relationship is vital to maintain good motor function in elderly people in clinical settings.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the stride length and trunk muscle thickness (MT) in elderly people who need support or care.
Methods: The participants were 12 elderly people (4 males and 8 females) attending a day service centre for the elderly who could walk independently or with a walking aid. Their average age was 83.4±0.5 (mean±standard deviation). We conducted a two-step test and measured the MT of the left side of the trunk using ultrasonography. The six muscles measured were: upper rectus abdominis (URA), central rectus abdominis (CRA), lower rectus abdominis (LRA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transverse abdominal (TA), and iliopsoas (ILIO). The trunk MTs were measured using B-mode ultrasonographic apparatus with a 7.5 MHz linear scanner.
The participants were required to take two steps forward, and in doing so, travel as far as possible. These lengths were recorded as the maximum stride length. The association between the MTs and two-step values were analysed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 21.0).
The participants were required to take two steps forward, and in doing so, travel as far as possible. These lengths were recorded as the maximum stride length. The association between the MTs and two-step values were analysed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 21.0).
Results: The mean two-step value was 1.03±0.19. The mean trunk MTs were: 0.62±0.15 cm (URA), 0.69±0.15 cm (CRA), 0.70±0.16 cm (LRA), 0.34±0.07 cm (EO), 0.67± 0.19 cm (IO), 0.23±0.07 cm (TA), and 1.5± 0.37 cm (ILIO).
A correlation was found between the two-step values and the IO muscle (r=0.797 P<0.05). No correlation was found between the two-step values and the other five muscles.
A correlation was found between the two-step values and the IO muscle (r=0.797 P<0.05). No correlation was found between the two-step values and the other five muscles.
Conclusion(s): Previous studies have reported that the gait speed, stride length and trunk MT decreased with ageing. The present study suggested that among the trunk muscles analysed, the IO muscle is the most relevant to the stride length. In healthy participants, a faster walking speed showed a larger muscular activity of the IO in response to trunk sway. Therefore, the IO muscle contributes to stabilising the trunk sway and increasing the stride length.
Implications: This study clarified the relationship between the stride length and trunk MT in elderly people. It can contribute to the creation of new physiotherapy interventions to prevent falling in the elderly.
Funding, acknowledgements: The work was not funded.
Keywords: stride length, trunk muscles, elderly people
Topic: Older people
Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: Kanazawa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic
Committee: The Ethics Review Board of Kanazawa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic
Ethics number: Kanazawa-OSMC-2019-001
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
