Quantitative analysis of gait dysfunction in sarcopenia patients: Based on spatiotemporal parameters and kinematic performance.

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is the disease characterized by muscle loss, and leading to functional decline and increased mortality, especially affects the elderly. Gait abnormalities are common perform the dysfunction but are understudied quantitatively.

METHOD

Sixty-two participants (20 sarcopenia, 42 healthy) were recruited for gait analysis. The clinically characterized data including anthropometric data, muscle mass, handgrip strength were measured. The spatiotemporal and the kinematic parameters during gait were also captured through the motion capture.

RESULTS

Sarcopenia patients exhibited significantly reduced stride length (1.12 ± 0.13 m vs. 1.20 ± 0.10 m, p = 0.006) and gait speed (0.96 ± 0.14 m/s vs. 1.10 ± 0.12 m/s, p < 0.001), alongside increased stride time (1.17 ± 0.08 s vs. 1.10 ± 0.08 s, p = 0.005) compared to healthy controls. Joint kinematics revealed significant differences in hip flexion-extension range (40.66° ± 5.44° vs. 41.69° ± 6.12°, p < 0.05) and knee adduction-abduction range (10.51° ± 3.53° vs. 13.85° ± 5.28°, p < 0.05) during gait stance phase.

CONCLUSION

The reduced stride length and speed, along with wider step width, highlight the functional decline impacted by sarcopenia. The gait patterns were also influenced with patients adopting conservative strategies for stability. Joint angle differences suggest limitations in sagittal and coronal plane movements, affecting balance and joint biomechanics. This quantitative study demonstrates the functional impact of sarcopenia on gait, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessment and tailored interventions to improve mobility and quality of life in elderly populations.