Affiliations: [a] Applied Neuromechanics Research Group, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
| [b] Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| [c] Biomechanics and Kinesiology Research Group, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Felipe Pivetta Carpes, Ph.D., Federal University of Pampa-Laboratory of Neuromechanics, BR 472km 592, PO box 118, ZIP 97500-970, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil. Tel./Fax: +55 55 3911 0225; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Effects of exercise on foot clearances are important. In older adults variations in foot clearances during walking may lead to a fall, but there is a lack of information concerning stair negotiation in older adults. Whether a condition of post exercise changes foot clearances between steps of a staircase in older adults still unknown. OBJECTIVE:To determine differences in clearances when older adults negotiate different steps of a staircase before and after a session of aerobic exercise. METHODS:Kinematics data from 30 older adults were acquired and the toe and heel clearances were determined for each step. Clearances were compared between the steps. RESULTS:Smaller clearances were found at the highest step during ascending and descending, which was not changed by exercise. Smaller clearances suggest higher risk of tripping at the top of the staircase, regardless of exercise. CONCLUSION:A smaller step at the top of a short flight of stairs could reduce chances of tripping in older adults. It suggests that steps with variable height could make stair negotiation safer in older adults. This hypothesis should be tested in further studies.
Keywords: Aging, stair walking, stumble, falls prevention, toe clearance
