Efeitos da caminhada prolongada sobre a cinemática da locomoção de idosos ativos e sedentários em escadas

Abstract

Aging modifies a number of characteristics associated with mobility in the elderly. These changes can make of usual tasks, such as stair locomotion, a challenge in the elderly. Regular physical exercise is a valid strategy for improving mobility and minimizing functional deficits in the elderly, especially those related to daily tasks. However, a few scientists have considered the acute effects of physical exercise in the elderly. Not saying exercise is bad for the elderly, it is important to consider that acute effect from exercise can change gait patterns and increase risks of tripping and/or falling. In addition, acute effects of walking are important, as we know walking is one of the favorite exercises for the elderly. In this study we analyzed the kinematics of locomotion in the elderly when ascending stairs before and after a session of prolonged walking. Male and female participants aged 60 years old or more have taken part in this study. They were organized in a group of physically active (n=15) and sedentary (n=15). They were evaluated concerning leg preference and gait kinematics in a 3-step stair before and after a treadmill walking trial lasting 30 minutes at comfortable speed. Our main findings suggest that prolonged walking increase the risk for tripping during stair ascendant locomotion in sedentary elderly. Such affirmation is based in the lower trail limb toe clearance and lower gait speed in sedentary compared to active elderly. Our results show that acute effects are more substantial in the sedentary elderly and therefore, strategies to deal with these acute deficits can be of importance to the elderly who starts routines of physical exercise. Although there is greater risk of tripping among sedentary elderly, the gait patterns observed were similar between groups. Future investigations should assess whether a pre-exercise intervention can help in minimizing such acute risks observed.