Elderly and treadmills

[Vernon Mcdonald]

Dear All,

I am interested in hearing opinions on the use of treadmills in the study
of elderly walking. I am sensitive to the general issues surrounding
treadmill vs overground walking, but I would like to hear first hand from
those investigators who have had elderly subjects walking on a treadmill.

Specifically, are there issues unique to this population that need to be
taken into account? For example, is there a need for a long habituation
time? Are unsteady individuals somewhat fearful of the treadmill? How
have human research review boards responded to this combination?

Any information regarding special procedural accomodations that need to be
taken in having the elderly perform treadmill walking (and running?) would
be very much appreciated.

As always I will provide a summary of replies.

Best Wishes,

Vernon McDonald


__________________________________________________ ______________
Vernon McDonald Motor Performance Lab.
KRUG Life Sciences NASA/Johnson Space Center

vmcdonald@plato.jsc.nasa.gov
__________________________________________________ ______________