A distal-to-proximal shift is not a requisite mechanism for greater metabolic cost of walking in older adults.

Jacob M Thomas, Zoe H Smith, Jane A Kent, Katherine A Boyer

Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. Electronic address: [email protected] of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. Electronic address: [email protected]. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

A greater metabolic cost of walking (CoW) is well-documented in older compared with young adults and is likely a catalyst for age-related mobility loss. Proximal redistribution of joint work during gait has been suggested as a contributor to greater CoW in aging. However, evidence to support this link is limited. We collected overground gait kinematics and kinetics as well as metabolic data during a 7-minute treadmill walk (7MTW) in 15 young (30-40 years, 8F) and 40 older (70-80 years) adults. We then separated the older adults into two groups based on whether they did (O

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Research summary

The paper claims that a distal-to-proximal shift is not necessary for the increased metabolic cost of walking in older adults. This research is relevant as it addresses the mechanisms underlying mobility loss in aging, which is a significant aspect of longevity and age-related functional decline.

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