van Andel Steven, Cole Michael H, Pepping Gert-Jan
J Aging Phys Act. 2019 Jun 1;27(3):309-315. doi: 10.1123/japa.2018-0124. Epub 2018 Nov 14.
To examine gait regulation during the approach to stepping onto a curb for older adults who did or did not report gait-related falls over a 12-month follow-up. A total of 98 participants aged 60 years and older were analyzed. Primary outcomes were step length adaptations (lengthening or shortening) during a curb approach and the occurrence of a gait-related fall during a 12-month follow-up. Linear mixed-effects modeling indicated stronger adaptations toward the end of the approach. Participants who reported experiencing a gait-related fall showed a stronger relationship between the adjustment required and adjustment produced, indicating different gait adaptations during the step leading onto the curb. The link between prospective gait-related falls and gait adaptations indicated that older adults with reduced capabilities require stronger adaptations to complete tasks reminiscent of everyday life. This finding may provide insight into the mechanisms of falls in older adults and should inform new fall prevention interventions.
为了研究在为期12个月的随访中报告或未报告与步态相关跌倒的老年人在接近踏上路边石时的步态调节情况。共分析了98名60岁及以上的参与者。主要结果是在接近路边石时的步长调整（延长或缩短）以及在12个月随访期间与步态相关跌倒的发生情况。线性混合效应模型表明在接近过程结束时调整更强。报告经历过与步态相关跌倒的参与者在所需调整和产生的调整之间表现出更强的关系，表明在踏上路边石的步骤中存在不同的步态适应。前瞻性与步态相关跌倒和步态适应之间的联系表明，能力下降的老年人需要更强的适应来完成类似日常生活的任务。这一发现可能为深入了解老年人跌倒的机制提供线索，并应为新的跌倒预防干预措施提供依据。
