Effects of Aging on Human Gait Stability

This project aims to investigate the effects of aging on different gait parameters such as the spatiotemporal, kinetic and kinematic. Previous researches have focused on the effects of muscle fatigue on the gait characteristics under single and dual task conditions and other have focused on the effect of ageing and falls history on the Minimum Foot Clearance (MTC) during level walking. However, what was missing in most of the latest researches is a comprehensive analysis on all the major gait parameters that affect the stability. The findings on this project showed the relationship between the different gait parameters and the effect of such on the human motion stability. Results obtained showed that there is a difference in the cadence and stride length between healthy elderly people and young ones at normal walking speed (4Km/h). The findings also showed that elderly people have localized pressure distribution on their feet and a smaller ankle flexion angle that resulted in lower MTC. All these factors if not properly corrected and controlled can significantly induce fatigue, cause muscle and joints pain and even increase the chances of tripping.