Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110049
Edgar Simões , Nuno Tavares , Marina Saraiva
Objectives
Proprioception and dynamic balance are crucial elements of neuromuscular control during running, supporting movement precision and postural adjustments. Dynamic stretching is commonly used in warm-ups to enhance muscle activation and sensorimotor readiness, but its acute effects on proprioception and balance remain unclear.
Design
Randomized controlled trial.
Participants
Sixty-two healthy recreational runners (25–45 years; ≥20 km/week), randomly assigned to a Dynamic Stretching group (n = 31) or a control group performing light walking (n = 31).
Main outcome measures
Joint position sense was assessed through active joint repositioning using 2D video analysis, with Absolute Angular Error, Relative Angular Error, and Variable Angular Error as outcomes. Balance was evaluated using the Y-Balance Test, including anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach directions, as well as a composite score.
Results
The Dynamic Stretching group showed significant reductions in Absolute Angular Error (p < 0.05) and Variable Angular Error (p < 0.001), with a between-group difference in Relative Angular Error (p = 0.043). Both groups improved Y-Balance Test scores, but the Dynamic stretching group achieved significantly greater gains in posteromedial reach and Composite Score (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Dynamic stretching acutely improves proprioceptive accuracy and dynamic balance in recreational runners, supporting its inclusion in warm-up routines.
{"title":"Acute effects of dynamic stretching on knee joint position sense and dynamic balance in recreational runners: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Edgar Simões , Nuno Tavares , Marina Saraiva","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110049","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110049","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Proprioception and dynamic balance are crucial elements of neuromuscular control during running, supporting movement precision and postural adjustments. Dynamic stretching is commonly used in warm-ups to enhance muscle activation and sensorimotor readiness, but its acute effects on proprioception and balance remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Randomized controlled trial.</div></div><div><h3>Participants</h3><div>Sixty-two healthy recreational runners (25–45 years; ≥20 km/week), randomly assigned to a Dynamic Stretching group (n = 31) or a control group performing light walking (n = 31).</div></div><div><h3>Main outcome measures</h3><div>Joint position sense was assessed through active joint repositioning using 2D video analysis, with Absolute Angular Error, Relative Angular Error, and Variable Angular Error as outcomes. Balance was evaluated using the Y-Balance Test, including anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach directions, as well as a composite score.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The Dynamic Stretching group showed significant reductions in Absolute Angular Error (p < 0.05) and Variable Angular Error (p < 0.001), with a between-group difference in Relative Angular Error (p = 0.043). Both groups improved Y-Balance Test scores, but the Dynamic stretching group achieved significantly greater gains in posteromedial reach and Composite Score (p < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Dynamic stretching acutely improves proprioceptive accuracy and dynamic balance in recreational runners, supporting its inclusion in warm-up routines.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12496,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 110049"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145518148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Corrigendum to “Analysis of the characteristics of anticipatory postural adjustments in older adults using smartphones: Association between cognitive and balance functions” [Gait Posture, 112 (2024) 115–119]","authors":"Ryo Onuma , Hiroshi R. Yamasaki , Fumihiko Hoshi , Ryosuke Tozawa , Yuki Soutome , Tomoko Sakai , Tetsuya Jinno","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.109987","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.109987","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12496,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 109987"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145202561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dropped Head Syndrome (DHS) is caused by muscle weakness of the cervical extensor muscles (CEM), resulting in global imbalance. However, the relationship between CEM weakness and sagittal spinal alignment remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between CEM weakness and global spinal posture in patients with DHS.
Methods
The subjects were 159 patients diagnosed with DHS. CEM was evaluated by cervical extension performance in the prone position, and the subjects were classified into Mild DHS (MMT≥3; 33 subjects) and Severe DHS (MMT<3; 126 subjects). Sagittal spinal alignment was measured by standing whole-body radiography, and correlations between the parameters were analyzed individually.
Results
Both DHS groups had a positive correlation between CBVA (chin- brow vertical angle), C-SVA (cervical sagittal vertical axis) and TK (Thoracic kyphosis angle). In Mild DHS, T1S (T1 slope angle) showed a positive correlation with TK (thoracic kyphotic angle) but not with PT (pelvic tilt angle), while T1S of Severe DHS showed a positive correlation with TK as well as with PT.
Conclusions
CEM weakness affected the global sagittal spinal posture in patients with DHS. In CEM with MMT< 3, the compensation of head drop was lost to thoraco-lumbar segments, and the head imbalance was compensated for by the pelvic posterior tilt.
{"title":"Spinal compensation patterns in dropped head syndrome according to prone-position cervical extension performance","authors":"Hiroki Sano , Kenji Endo , Tsukasa Ooka , Ryutaro Deguchi , Tomoyasu Yamauchi , Masahiro Ishiyama , Takuya Osada , Ryuuichi Ueno , Kengo Yamamoto","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Dropped Head Syndrome (DHS) is caused by muscle weakness of the cervical extensor muscles (CEM), resulting in global imbalance. However, the relationship between CEM weakness and sagittal spinal alignment remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between CEM weakness and global spinal posture in patients with DHS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The subjects were 159 patients diagnosed with DHS. CEM was evaluated by cervical extension performance in the prone position, and the subjects were classified into Mild DHS (MMT≥3; 33 subjects) and Severe DHS (MMT<3; 126 subjects). Sagittal spinal alignment was measured by standing whole-body radiography, and correlations between the parameters were analyzed individually.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both DHS groups had a positive correlation between CBVA (chin- brow vertical angle), C-SVA (cervical sagittal vertical axis) and TK (Thoracic kyphosis angle). In Mild DHS, T1S (T1 slope angle) showed a positive correlation with TK (thoracic kyphotic angle) but not with PT (pelvic tilt angle), while T1S of Severe DHS showed a positive correlation with TK as well as with PT.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>CEM weakness affected the global sagittal spinal posture in patients with DHS. In CEM with MMT< 3, the compensation of head drop was lost to thoraco-lumbar segments, and the head imbalance was compensated for by the pelvic posterior tilt.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12496,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 110023"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145454087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-22DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110062
Lasse Hansen, Jana Rogoschin, Jonas Ebbecke, Igor Komnik, Wolfgang Potthast
Introduction
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) can alter gait biomechanics and neuromuscular activity. Valgus brace (VB) treatment aims to reduce medial compartment loading. While the mechanical efficacy of VBs is well-documented, their effect on neuromuscular deviations in KOA patients remains unclear. This study assesses the potential of VB to modulate altered muscle synergy activation patterns in KOA patients.
Methodology
Forty participants (twenty KOA, twenty age-matched controls) performed five locomotion tasks: overground walking, ramp and stair ascent / descent. Trials with and without VB were conducted at baseline and after six weeks of regular brace use. Muscle synergies were calculated based on electromyographic data of eight lower limb muscles per side. Inverse dynamics were calculated using marker-based motion capture data. A statistical parametric mapping three-way ANOVA with the factors group affiliation, brace condition, and measurement time point was conducted for each task.
Results
Four synergies were identified across groups, tasks, brace conditions, and time points. The KOA cohort exhibited increased knee flexor synergy activity during early- to mid-stance, increased sagittal trunk flexion, increased hip flexion angles and moments, and decreased knee flexion angles and moments. Brace condition and time point had no effect on synergy activity or sagittal joint moments.
Discussion and conclusion
Persistently increased hip flexion moments in the KOA group, possibly caused by increased sagittal trunk flexion, appeared to drive elevated activity of the biarticular knee flexor synergy. Increased knee flexor synergy activity can result in elevated knee joint contact forces, potentially aggravating KOA progression. Rather than being caused solely by the need for local stability, increased knee flexor synergy activity may be driven by altered trunk dynamics, which remained unaffected throughout the brace intervention.
{"title":"Altered muscle synergies in knee osteoarthritis patients during locomotion tasks persist over six-week valgus brace intervention","authors":"Lasse Hansen, Jana Rogoschin, Jonas Ebbecke, Igor Komnik, Wolfgang Potthast","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110062","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110062","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) can alter gait biomechanics and neuromuscular activity. Valgus brace (VB) treatment aims to reduce medial compartment loading. While the mechanical efficacy of VBs is well-documented, their effect on neuromuscular deviations in KOA patients remains unclear. This study assesses the potential of VB to modulate altered muscle synergy activation patterns in KOA patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>Forty participants (twenty KOA, twenty age-matched controls) performed five locomotion tasks: overground walking, ramp and stair ascent / descent. Trials with and without VB were conducted at baseline and after six weeks of regular brace use. Muscle synergies were calculated based on electromyographic data of eight lower limb muscles per side. Inverse dynamics were calculated using marker-based motion capture data. A statistical parametric mapping three-way ANOVA with the factors group affiliation, brace condition, and measurement time point was conducted for each task.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four synergies were identified across groups, tasks, brace conditions, and time points. The KOA cohort exhibited increased knee flexor synergy activity during early- to mid-stance, increased sagittal trunk flexion, increased hip flexion angles and moments, and decreased knee flexion angles and moments. Brace condition and time point had no effect on synergy activity or sagittal joint moments.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion and conclusion</h3><div>Persistently increased hip flexion moments in the KOA group, possibly caused by increased sagittal trunk flexion, appeared to drive elevated activity of the biarticular knee flexor synergy. Increased knee flexor synergy activity can result in elevated knee joint contact forces, potentially aggravating KOA progression. Rather than being caused solely by the need for local stability, increased knee flexor synergy activity may be driven by altered trunk dynamics, which remained unaffected throughout the brace intervention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12496,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 110062"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145614955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dynapenia, an age-related decline in muscle strength despite preserved muscle mass, is associated with reduced walking speed and increased fall risk. Backward walking training involves eccentric activation of the plantar flexors and has been shown to enhance walking performance. This exploratory study evaluated how an eight-week backward walking training program influences lower-limb mechanical energy flow and tendon properties in older adults with dynapenia.
Method
Forty-four older females (> 65 years) were recruited, comprising 21 individuals with dynapenia and 23 older adults as the control group. The dynapenia group underwent backward walking training (3 sessions/week, 30 min/session). Mechanical energy flow, Achilles tendon stiffness, and gait speed were assessed before and after the training. Nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05).
Results
At baseline, the dynapenia group exhibited significantly lower segmental energy change rates in the thigh and shank, reduced tendon stiffness and stress, and an altered knee joint energy pattern compared with controls. Following training, no significant changes were observed in mechanical energy flow or tendon properties. Walking speed significantly improved by 10.2 %-19.6 % after training.
Conclusion
Backward walking training improved walking speed in older adults with dynapenia. However, such improvement may be attributed to factors other than tendon adaptation or enhanced energy efficiency, given that no significant changes were detected. These findings provide preliminary insights into the biomechanical response to backward walking and underscore the need for future studies to validate potential training effects.
{"title":"Effects of eight-week backward walking training on mechanical energy flow pattern and Achilles tendon properties in older adults with dynapenia: An exploratory study","authors":"Long-Huei Lin , Nai-Wen Hsu , Yun-Lin Tsai , Yi-Ling Peng , Chih-Hsiu Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110065","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110065","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Dynapenia, an age-related decline in muscle strength despite preserved muscle mass, is associated with reduced walking speed and increased fall risk. Backward walking training involves eccentric activation of the plantar flexors and has been shown to enhance walking performance. This exploratory study evaluated how an eight-week backward walking training program influences lower-limb mechanical energy flow and tendon properties in older adults with dynapenia.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Forty-four older females (> 65 years) were recruited, comprising 21 individuals with dynapenia and 23 older adults as the control group. The dynapenia group underwent backward walking training (3 sessions/week, 30 min/session). Mechanical energy flow, Achilles tendon stiffness, and gait speed were assessed before and after the training. Nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At baseline, the dynapenia group exhibited significantly lower segmental energy change rates in the thigh and shank, reduced tendon stiffness and stress, and an altered knee joint energy pattern compared with controls. Following training, no significant changes were observed in mechanical energy flow or tendon properties. Walking speed significantly improved by 10.2 %-19.6 % after training.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Backward walking training improved walking speed in older adults with dynapenia. However, such improvement may be attributed to factors other than tendon adaptation or enhanced energy efficiency, given that no significant changes were detected. These findings provide preliminary insights into the biomechanical response to backward walking and underscore the need for future studies to validate potential training effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12496,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 110065"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145614954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110058
Benjamin Filtjens , Christopher McCrum
{"title":"Perspectives on interdisciplinary posture and gait research from the ISPGR 2025 World Congress: Where do we stand and what are the next steps?","authors":"Benjamin Filtjens , Christopher McCrum","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110058","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110058","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12496,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 110058"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145569876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110032
A. Amirpourabasi , S.E. Lamb , J.Y. Chow , G.K.R. Williams
Background
Falls are a significant health concern among older adults. Nonlinear dynamic (NLD) analysis of gait offers insight into fall risk by capturing variability and complexity, but variation in methodological approaches has limited translation. This study aimed to identify NLD measures and data sources that best differentiate fallers from non-fallers.
Methods
Thirty-four healthy older women (mean age 69.3 ± 5.7 years; 17 fallers, 17 non-fallers) walked on a treadmill at preferred and at ±20 %. Kinematic data were collected using motion capture and a lower-back inertial measurement unit (IMU). Gait complexity and stability were quantified using Multiscale Entropy and Lyapunov Exponents (LyE). Principal component analysis, logistic regression, multivariate tests, ROC curves, and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) identified discriminative features.
Results
Fallers reported at least one fall in the past year, walked more slowly, and had a greater chronic disease burden. Short-term LyE (SLyE) from trunk acceleration in the anterior–posterior (AP) direction and sagittal-plane ankle angles best discriminated fall status. ROC analyses showed ankle SLyE provided the highest accuracy (AUC up to 0.88), and AP trunk SLyE had moderate accuracy (AUC up to 0.77). The LDA model achieved 85 % cross-validated accuracy with 82 % sensitivity and 88 % specificity.
Conclusions
The short-term Lyapunov exponent from ankle angle sagittal-plane motion and trunk AP acceleration provide robust markers of fall history in older women. Comparable performance of IMU and motion capture supports IMU-based NLD metrics for scalable fall risk screening.
{"title":"Using nonlinear dynamic analysis to differentiate fall status in older women","authors":"A. Amirpourabasi , S.E. Lamb , J.Y. Chow , G.K.R. Williams","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110032","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.110032","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Falls are a significant health concern among older adults. Nonlinear dynamic (NLD) analysis of gait offers insight into fall risk by capturing variability and complexity, but variation in methodological approaches has limited translation. This study aimed to identify NLD measures and data sources that best differentiate fallers from non-fallers.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty-four healthy older women (mean age 69.3 ± 5.7 years; 17 fallers, 17 non-fallers) walked on a treadmill at preferred and at ±20 %. Kinematic data were collected using motion capture and a lower-back inertial measurement unit (IMU). Gait complexity and stability were quantified using Multiscale Entropy and Lyapunov Exponents (LyE). Principal component analysis, logistic regression, multivariate tests, ROC curves, and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) identified discriminative features.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fallers reported at least one fall in the past year, walked more slowly, and had a greater chronic disease burden. Short-term LyE (SLyE) from trunk acceleration in the anterior–posterior (AP) direction and sagittal-plane ankle angles best discriminated fall status. ROC analyses showed ankle SLyE provided the highest accuracy (AUC up to 0.88), and AP trunk SLyE had moderate accuracy (AUC up to 0.77). The LDA model achieved 85 % cross-validated accuracy with 82 % sensitivity and 88 % specificity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The short-term Lyapunov exponent from ankle angle sagittal-plane motion and trunk AP acceleration provide robust markers of fall history in older women. Comparable performance of IMU and motion capture supports IMU-based NLD metrics for scalable fall risk screening.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12496,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 110032"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145464527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-09-23DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.109985
Ting-Ting Yeh , Yen-Kuang Lin , Hui-Ya Chen , Han-Yin Sun
Age-related declines in motor (MF), cognitive (CF), and sensory functions (SF) can impact functional mobility. Understanding their interactive contributions across mobility tasks may inform effective interventions for older adults.
Purpose
This study examined the distinct and shared contributions of MF, CF, and SF to functional mobility performance under basic and challenging conditions in older adults.
Methods
A total of 141 community-dwelling older adults (age=76 ± 7 years) completed comprehensive assessments of MF, CF, and SF. Functional mobility was evaluated using single-task and dual-task Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests, and usual and fastest walking tests. Linear mixed-effects models and commonality analysis examined relationships between functions and mobility performance.
Results
CF significantly influenced TUG performance, particularly under dual-task conditions (β=-2.21, p = 0.007, η²p = 0.07), while MF primarily affected walking speed, especially during fastest-speed trials (β=0.08, p = 0.009, η²p = 0.06). Shared contributions of CF and MF explained substantially more variance in dual-task TUG (31.22 %) and fastest walking (41.91 %) than their distinct contributions (5.56 % and 4.04 %, respectively). SF showed minimal impact on functional mobility tasks.
Conclusion
In community-dwelling older adults, CF predominantly influences dual-task TUG performance, while MF appears to be the primary factor in fastest walking. The substantial shared contributions of CF and MF to challenging mobility tasks suggest that integrated interventions targeting both functions may be more effective for enhancing functional mobility than approaches focusing on individual domains.
与年龄相关的运动(MF)、认知(CF)和感觉功能(SF)下降会影响功能性活动能力。了解他们在行动任务中的互动贡献可以为老年人提供有效的干预措施。目的:本研究探讨了老年人在基本条件和挑战性条件下,MF、CF和SF对功能活动能力的不同和共同贡献。方法:共有141名社区老年人(年龄=76 ± 7岁)完成了MF、CF和SF的综合评估。通过单任务和双任务的定时行走(TUG)测试以及常规行走和最快行走测试来评估功能活动能力。线性混合效应模型和共性分析考察了职能与流动性绩效之间的关系。结果:CF显著影响TUG表现,特别是在双任务条件下(β=-2.21, p = 0.007,η²p = 0.07),而MF主要影响步行速度,特别是在最快速度的试验中(β=0.08, p = 0.009,η²p = 0.06)。CF和MF的共同贡献比它们各自的贡献(分别为5.56 %和4.04 %)对双任务TUG(31.22 %)和最快步行(41.91 %)的解释差异要大得多。SF对功能性移动任务的影响最小。结论:在社区居住的老年人中,CF主要影响双任务TUG的表现,而MF似乎是最快行走的主要因素。CF和MF对具有挑战性的移动性任务的巨大共同贡献表明,针对这两种功能的综合干预可能比专注于单个领域的方法更有效地增强功能移动性。
{"title":"Shared roles of motor, sensory, and cognitive functions in challenging functional mobility tasks","authors":"Ting-Ting Yeh , Yen-Kuang Lin , Hui-Ya Chen , Han-Yin Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.109985","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.109985","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Age-related declines in motor (MF), cognitive (CF), and sensory functions (SF) can impact functional mobility. Understanding their interactive contributions across mobility tasks may inform effective interventions for older adults.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study examined the distinct and shared contributions of MF, CF, and SF to functional mobility performance under basic and challenging conditions in older adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 141 community-dwelling older adults (age=76 ± 7 years) completed comprehensive assessments of MF, CF, and SF. Functional mobility was evaluated using single-task and dual-task Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests, and usual and fastest walking tests. Linear mixed-effects models and commonality analysis examined relationships between functions and mobility performance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>CF significantly influenced TUG performance, particularly under dual-task conditions (β=-2.21, p = 0.007, η²p = 0.07), while MF primarily affected walking speed, especially during fastest-speed trials (β=0.08, p = 0.009, η²p = 0.06). Shared contributions of CF and MF explained substantially more variance in dual-task TUG (31.22 %) and fastest walking (41.91 %) than their distinct contributions (5.56 % and 4.04 %, respectively). SF showed minimal impact on functional mobility tasks.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In community-dwelling older adults, CF predominantly influences dual-task TUG performance, while MF appears to be the primary factor in fastest walking. The substantial shared contributions of CF and MF to challenging mobility tasks suggest that integrated interventions targeting both functions may be more effective for enhancing functional mobility than approaches focusing on individual domains.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12496,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 109985"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145180839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-09-27DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.109991
Brecca M.M. Gaffney , Peter B. Thomsen-Freitas , Grace M. Georgiou , Danielle H. Melton , Cory L. Christiansen , Jason W. Stoneback
Background
Bone-anchored limbs (BALs) improve mobility, physical activity, multi-joint biomechanics, and static balance measures compared to when using a socket prosthesis. However, evidence surrounding how BAL use influences dynamic balance, and whether this is dependent on amputation level, remains unknown.
Research questions
Does BAL use change dynamic balance as compared to a socket prosthesis? Do changes in dynamic balance with BAL use differ by amputation level?
Methods
Thirty-two participants with prior unilateral amputation (19 transfemoral, 13 transtibial) who underwent BAL implantation were retrospectively enrolled. Whole-body motion capture data during overground level walking was collected before (using socket prosthesis) and 12-months after BAL implantation. The range of whole-body angular momentum (WBAM) and peak external demand moment were compared across timepoints and groups using a two-way mixed model ANOVA.
Results
Frontal and transverse plane WBAM were reduced in individuals with transfemoral amputation when using a BAL as compared to a socket prosthesis (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, when using a BAL or socket prosthesis, frontal plane WBAM was larger in individuals with transfemoral amputation compared to transtibial amputation (p = 0.028 and p = 0.018), which coincided with a larger peak external demand moment (p = 0.027 and p = 0.007).
Significance
Smaller ranges of WBAM and a smaller external demand moment during walking indicate improved dynamic stability when using a BAL compared to socket-type prosthesis, and thus likely suggest a reduced fall risk. As walking is most unstable in the mediolateral direction, greater ranges of frontal plane WBAM (worsened regulation) in individuals with transfemoral amputation compared to transtibial amputation may indicate more compromised balance control and greater fall risk.
{"title":"Whole-body angular momentum is influenced by bone-anchored limb use and amputation level during walking","authors":"Brecca M.M. Gaffney , Peter B. Thomsen-Freitas , Grace M. Georgiou , Danielle H. Melton , Cory L. Christiansen , Jason W. Stoneback","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.109991","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.109991","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Bone-anchored limbs (BALs) improve mobility, physical activity, multi-joint biomechanics, and static balance measures compared to when using a socket prosthesis. However, evidence surrounding how BAL use influences dynamic balance, and whether this is dependent on amputation level, remains unknown.</div></div><div><h3>Research questions</h3><div>Does BAL use change dynamic balance as compared to a socket prosthesis? Do changes in dynamic balance with BAL use differ by amputation level?</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty-two participants with prior unilateral amputation (19 transfemoral, 13 transtibial) who underwent BAL implantation were retrospectively enrolled. Whole-body motion capture data during overground level walking was collected before (using socket prosthesis) and 12-months after BAL implantation. The range of whole-body angular momentum (WBAM) and peak external demand moment were compared across timepoints and groups using a two-way mixed model ANOVA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Frontal and transverse plane WBAM were reduced in individuals with transfemoral amputation when using a BAL as compared to a socket prosthesis (<em>p</em> < 0.001 and <em>p</em> < 0.001, res<em>p</em>ectively). Furthermore, when using a BAL or socket prosthesis, frontal plane WBAM was larger in individuals with transfemoral amputation compared to transtibial amputation (<em>p</em> = 0.028 and <em>p</em> = 0.018), which coincided with a larger peak external demand moment (<em>p</em> = 0.027 and <em>p</em> = 0.007).</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>Smaller ranges of WBAM and a smaller external demand moment during walking indicate improved dynamic stability when using a BAL compared to socket-type prosthesis, and thus likely suggest a reduced fall risk. As walking is most unstable in the mediolateral direction, greater ranges of frontal plane WBAM (worsened regulation) in individuals with transfemoral amputation compared to transtibial amputation may indicate more compromised balance control and greater fall risk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12496,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 109991"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145226535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-09-27DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.109992
Masanori Wako , Taro Fujimaki , Jiro Ichikawa , Ryoji Shinohara , Sanae Otawa , Anna Kobayashi , Megumi Kushima , Hideki Yui , Zentaro Yamagata , Hirotaka Haro , on behalf of The Yamanashi Adjunct Study of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Objective
This study examined the relationship between flatfoot, physical performance, and postural stability in 8-year-old children.
Methods
This study involved 196 children from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) and focused on foot morphology, postural stability, and physical performance using standardized sports tests. The Chippaux-Smirak index was used to evaluate the degree of flatfoot, which correlated with body composition, physical performance, and postural stability. Results: The results showed that 8.6 % of boys and 3.9 % of girls had flatfoot, with boys exhibiting a higher frequency. A significant correlation was found between flatfoot and increased body weight and fat percentage. The study found no significant association between flatfoot and physical performance as measured by sports tests such as sprinting and jumping. However, a significant relationship between flatfoot and postural stability was observed, as children with more severe flatfoot exhibited greater postural instability, particularly girls. These findings suggest that although flatfoot does not correlate with physical performance, it is associated with decreased postural stability, which may reflect broader developmental issues in children with flatfoot.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the need for further research on the underlying causes of flatfoot and its effect on child development, particularly regarding the role of the nervous system in postural stability.
{"title":"Relationship of flatfoot to physical performance and postural stability in children: The Yamanashi adjunct study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study","authors":"Masanori Wako , Taro Fujimaki , Jiro Ichikawa , Ryoji Shinohara , Sanae Otawa , Anna Kobayashi , Megumi Kushima , Hideki Yui , Zentaro Yamagata , Hirotaka Haro , on behalf of The Yamanashi Adjunct Study of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group","doi":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.109992","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.109992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study examined the relationship between flatfoot, physical performance, and postural stability in 8-year-old children.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study involved 196 children from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) and focused on foot morphology, postural stability, and physical performance using standardized sports tests. The Chippaux-Smirak index was used to evaluate the degree of flatfoot, which correlated with body composition, physical performance, and postural stability. Results: The results showed that 8.6 % of boys and 3.9 % of girls had flatfoot, with boys exhibiting a higher frequency. A significant correlation was found between flatfoot and increased body weight and fat percentage. The study found no significant association between flatfoot and physical performance as measured by sports tests such as sprinting and jumping. However, a significant relationship between flatfoot and postural stability was observed, as children with more severe flatfoot exhibited greater postural instability, particularly girls. These findings suggest that although flatfoot does not correlate with physical performance, it is associated with decreased postural stability, which may reflect broader developmental issues in children with flatfoot.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings highlight the need for further research on the underlying causes of flatfoot and its effect on child development, particularly regarding the role of the nervous system in postural stability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12496,"journal":{"name":"Gait & posture","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 109992"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145234777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}