Walking on different surfaces challenged ability of community-dwelling elderly

Abstract

The current methods to improve functional ability of elderly likely involve various types of exercises on a hard surface, without clear evidence on the effects of surfaces on mobility of elderly. Therefore, this study compared gait characteristics while walking on different surfaces, including artificial pebble, soft, and grass surfaces, as compared to a firm ground in 20 community-dwelling elderly. Participants were assessed for their gait variables while walking at a self-selected and fastest speed for 3 trials/surface. Their walking characteristics were recorded for further two-dimensional analysis using the Kinovea program. Then the ANOVA with repeated measure was used to compare average findings of all parameters while walking on each surface. The levels of significant differences was set at p<0.05. The finding demonstrated that walking on different surfaces challenged walking ability. Thus, the participants walked at a significantly slower speed and cadence with a shorter stride length than those on a hard surface. Thus, apart from various types of exercises, rehabilitation programs may incorporate various surfaces to promote functional ability and safely issue in these individuals.