Effect of Anti-Slip Flooring on Gait Biomechanics and Slip Risk in Elderly Women with Osteoporosis and Healthy Elderly

Osteoporosis significantly increases the risk of falls in elderly individuals, particularly women, due to compromised neuromuscular control and balance. This study explored the effects of anti-slip flooring on gait biomechanics, slip risk, and kinematic responses in elderly women with osteoporosis compared to healthy elderly controls. The experiment included ۲۲ elderly women, with ۱۱ participants suffering from severe osteoporosis and ۱۱ healthy controls. Participants walked on anti-slip flooring surface (IR), while kinematic, slip-related and gait parameters were recorded using a VICON motion capture system and KISTLER force plates. The results showed that anti-slip flooring surface (IR) slightly increased walking speed and reduced slip distances, though these changes were not statistically significant. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in gait parameters. The osteoporosis group walked ۱۳% slower than the healthy group (p = ۰.۰۰۸). Additionally, step time (STET) and stride time (STRT) were ۱۲% and ۱۳% longer, respectively, in the osteoporosis group compared to the healthy group (p = ۰.۰۰۸ and p = ۰.۰۰۷). Furthermore, double support time (DS) was significantly ۲۷% higher in the osteoporosis group (p < ۰.۰۰۱). Regarding cadence (CDC), the osteoporosis group had ۱۰% fewer steps than the healthy group (p = ۰.۰۰۴). Finally, kinematic analysis revealed that the time to peak (TTP) was significantly longer in the osteoporosis group compared to the healthy group, particularly for ankle dorsiflexion angle (p = ۰.۰۲۳), knee extension angle (p < ۰.۰۰۱), and hip flexion angle (p = ۰.۰۰۶). These results indicate delayed neuromuscular and kinematic responses in the osteoporosis group. In conclusion, while anti-slip flooring surfaces showed minor improvements in walking speed and slip risk reduction, the more profound effects of osteoporosis on gait biomechanics, including slower walking speeds, altered temporal parameters, and delayed neuromuscular responses, were evident. The study suggests that anti-slip flooring can provide some benefit in reducing slip risks but cannot compensate for the neuromuscular deficits in osteoporotic individuals. Combining anti-slip flooring with targeted neuromuscular training and balance exercises is essential for effective fall prevention in elderly populations with osteoporosis.

کلیدواژه ها:

Osteoporosis ، Gait biomechanics ، Slip risk ، Anti-slip flooring ، Elderly fall prevention