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Hi BioNetters:
In reponse to the discussion on the slower walking pace of elders I would
like to add the following considerations:
1. Neural Slowing--there is a general slowing of the entire nervous system
which leads to slower reaction times to any musclar activites. This slower
reaction time may result in a "speed accuracy trade-off" where the host
will move slower to ensure proper foot placements etc.
2. Muscle Type Differential Loss-- there is a also a general overall loss
of fast twitch muscle types leaving behind a slower muscular system in
response to movements. This differential loss could be one of the major
reasons why a specific neural stimulus results in a slower response.
A nice over-view of the gait characteristics and possible reasons for the
changes can be found in the following references:
1. Bassey, E.J.et al. (1988). Muscle strength in the triceps surae and
objectively measured customary walking activity in men and women over 65
years of age. Clinical Scienc, 74, 85-89.
2. Bendall, MJ et al. (1989). Factors affecting walking speed of elderly
people. Age& Ageing, 18, 327-332.
3. Craik,R. (1990). Changes in locomotion in the aging adult. In
Development of posture and gait across the lifespan, MH Woolacott and A.
Shumway-Cook (Eds) South Carolina Press.
4. Murray, MP et al. (1969). Walking patterns in healthy old men. Journal
of Gerontology, 24, 169-178.
5. Winter, DA (1991). Changes in gait with aging. Canadian Journal of
Sports Sciences, 16 (3): 165-167)
Hope this helps you in some way. Good Luck in your efforts.
Denise
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Denise Gobert,M.Ed.,PT
Doctoral Candidate
University of Texas at Austin
Dept of Kinesiology -- /\ ____
& Health Edu. (Bel.222) / \/\ ____ __o
P.O.Box 150213 /\/ \ __ _\
In reponse to the discussion on the slower walking pace of elders I would
like to add the following considerations:
1. Neural Slowing--there is a general slowing of the entire nervous system
which leads to slower reaction times to any musclar activites. This slower
reaction time may result in a "speed accuracy trade-off" where the host
will move slower to ensure proper foot placements etc.
2. Muscle Type Differential Loss-- there is a also a general overall loss
of fast twitch muscle types leaving behind a slower muscular system in
response to movements. This differential loss could be one of the major
reasons why a specific neural stimulus results in a slower response.
A nice over-view of the gait characteristics and possible reasons for the
changes can be found in the following references:
1. Bassey, E.J.et al. (1988). Muscle strength in the triceps surae and
objectively measured customary walking activity in men and women over 65
years of age. Clinical Scienc, 74, 85-89.
2. Bendall, MJ et al. (1989). Factors affecting walking speed of elderly
people. Age& Ageing, 18, 327-332.
3. Craik,R. (1990). Changes in locomotion in the aging adult. In
Development of posture and gait across the lifespan, MH Woolacott and A.
Shumway-Cook (Eds) South Carolina Press.
4. Murray, MP et al. (1969). Walking patterns in healthy old men. Journal
of Gerontology, 24, 169-178.
5. Winter, DA (1991). Changes in gait with aging. Canadian Journal of
Sports Sciences, 16 (3): 165-167)
Hope this helps you in some way. Good Luck in your efforts.
Denise
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Denise Gobert,M.Ed.,PT
Doctoral Candidate
University of Texas at Austin
Dept of Kinesiology -- /\ ____
& Health Edu. (Bel.222) / \/\ ____ __o
P.O.Box 150213 /\/ \ __ _\