Physical Exercise Goals of the Elderly through the Analysis of Kinetic and Kinematic Variables of Quick Walking—Results of the Koreans Elderly Using a Motion Analysis System

Abstract

Since the global population is rapidly aging, social interest in the topic is increasing. However, there are not many studies on the elderly who are able to walk on their own, who make up the absolute majority of the total elderly population. Most studies and technological advancements are focused on either the development of assisting devices or on the elderly who use such devices or have a medical history. Therefore, this study analyzed the walks of 31 ordinary individuals of standard physical size and 31 elderly individuals. While there are studies on general gait and walk, there are not many on “maximum walking,” which is associated with a high risk of fall. For this purpose, a motion analysis system and the Ground Reaction Force Plate were used. The results of measuring and analyzing a total of 15 types of kinematic and kinetic variables as targets showed that the elderly experienced a reduced hike in the walking speed by approximately 5% during maximum walking when compared with normal walking. The variables related to balance were measured to be as high as 12%. Considering this, exercise of the elderly should be more focused on reinforcing variables related to balance, and in particular, emphasis should be placed on maintaining balance even when the walking speed increases.

Keywords

• elderly
• ordinary individuals
• walk
• maximum walking (walking quickly)
• kinematics
• kinetics