Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in gait parameters, muscle activation of the lower limbs, and metabolic energy cost during walking in olderadults.

Methods: Twenty-four subjects walked on a 10 m level walkway as self-selected speed while barefoot. A six-camera motion capture system was used to record the gait parameters. Wireless electromyography was used for the measurement of muscle activity. Next, the subjects were equipped with a mask connected to a computerized portable metabolic system. The subjects walked on a motor-driven treadmill in two different walking speeds.

Results: Walking speed was significantly higher in older men than in women. Stride length was also significantly higher in older men than older women. Older men had significantly higher step lengths the right and left sides than did older women. In the stance phase, muscle activation of the external oblique and erector spinae was significantly higher for older women than for older men. The absolute value of VO₂ (ml/min) of older men was significantly higher at the self-selected speed and for the 30% increased speed than those of older women.

Conclusion: These gender-related differences should be considered during gait training and rehabilitation in older adults.