Gäbler, M. (Martijn) (2015) The mechanisms underlying exercise-evoked increase in gait speed: Effects of power training on gait kinematics in mobility limited old adults. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Introduction: Exercise interventions have been successful in improving old adults’ gait speed, but the biomechanical mechanisms of how such improvements occur are unclear. The current study aimed to provide insight in these mechanisms. Methods: Twenty-seven mobility limited older adults (65+) completed the study protocol after either 10 weeks of power training (n = 13) or a 10 week control period (n = 14). Effects of power training on leg power, leg strength, and gait kinematics were evaluated by paired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA. Furthermore, Pearson correlation coefficients between gain scores were calculated. Results: Gait speed improved significantly in the training group compared to the control group by 0.10 m/s (8%, F(25,1) = 4.3; p = 0.049). The training group increased stride length by 0.05 m (4%), decreased stride time by 0.02 s (-2%), increased hip range of motion (RoM) by 1.5° (4%), and had on average a more plantarflexed ankle joint. Changes in gait speed were associated with changes in stride length (r = 0.58) and stride time (r = -0.73). Changes in stride length were associated with changes in hip RoM (r = 0.72). There was a trend for power training improving functional power and leg strength. Gains in leg strength were unrelated to changes in gait kinematics. Conclusions: 10 weeks of power training improved gait speed. Stride length, stride time and average ankle position, but not hip RoM changed in the direction of gait kinematics displayed by younger adults. Participants in the training group increased their gait speed either by increasing their stride length, or by decreasing their stride time. Stride length was related to increased hip RoM. There were some indications for a role of plantarflexor strength in the mechanisms underlying intervention evoked increased gait speed.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Beijersbergen, C.M.J. and Hortobágyi, prof. dr. T. and Beurkens, dr. R. and Granacher, prof. dr. U. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Apr 2022 10:14 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Apr 2022 10:14 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3138 |
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