Kinetic Analysis of Anti-Slip Flooring Effects on Gait and Slip Risk in Elderly Women with Osteoporosis

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of anti-slip flooring on gait dynamics and slip risk in elderly women with osteoporosis, compared to healthy elderly individuals. The goal was to assess how such flooring might influence joint moments, joint power, and key gait parameters, contributing to fall prevention strategies for this vulnerable population. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved ۲۲ elderly women aged over ۶۰, split into two groups: one with severe osteoporosis (n=۱۱) and a healthy control group (n=۱۱). Participants underwent gait analysis using a VICON motion capture system and Kistler force plates while walking on an anti-slip PVC mat. Various gait parameters, including walking speed (WS), step length (STEL), stride time (STRT), double support time (DS), and joint power (JP) and moments (EJM) for the ankle, knee, and hip joints, were measured and analyzed. Results: Significant differences were found between the groups. The healthy elderly group exhibited a ۱۳% increase in walking speed (p = ۰.۰۰۸). The osteoporosis group showed a ۲۷% increase in double support time (p < ۰.۰۰۱), indicating a cautious gait. Joint power in the hip and ankle joints was significantly reduced in the osteoporosis group, with a ۶۳% decrease in hip flexion power (p = ۰.۰۱۱) and a ۵۴% decrease in ankle dorsiflexion power (p = ۰.۰۲۹). No significant differences were observed in knee joint moments or power, suggesting compensatory mechanisms. Time-to-peak (TTP) values for kinetic variables, such as ankle plantarflexion moment, were significantly delayed in the osteoporosis group (p = ۰.۰۱۷). Conclusion: Osteoporosis significantly alters gait dynamics, reducing joint power and increasing cautious gait strategies. While anti-slip flooring did not significantly change overall gait, it enhanced stability by delaying the time-to-peak values of joint moments. This highlights the importance of integrating anti-slip surfaces with neuromuscular training and strengthening exercises to improve gait stability and reduce fall risk in elderly women with osteoporosis.

کلیدواژه ها:

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