Relationship between joint angles and gait parameters in healthy older adults aged 60 ~ 80 years.

Males exhibited significantly greater right hip extension and bilateral ankle plantar flexion angles compared to females.

• Participants were healthy older adults aged 60–80 years without motor dysfunction.
• Gait analysis was performed using the 'Walker View' treadmill system to capture maximum joint angles.
• Gender differences were assessed using separate statistical analyses for males and females.
• Bilateral ankle plantar flexion angles were significantly greater in males than females.

Females demonstrated significantly greater bilateral knee extension and left ankle dorsiflexion angles compared to males.

• Both bilateral knee extension angles and left ankle dorsiflexion angle were significantly larger in females.
• These differences were identified through gender-stratified analysis of joint angle data captured during treadmill walking.
• The 'Walker View' treadmill system was used to capture maximum joint angles at trunk, hip, knee, and ankle joints.

Trunk flexion angle negatively correlated with total steps and step frequency in males.

• Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between joint angles and gait parameters.
• This negative correlation between trunk flexion and step-related parameters was observed specifically in males.
• In females, joint angles showed stronger associations with speed and step length rather than step frequency.

Joint angles in females showed stronger associations with walking speed and step length than those in males.

• Gender-stratified Pearson correlation analyses revealed differential patterns of association between joint angles and gait parameters.
• Female gait parameters of speed and step length were more strongly associated with joint angles compared to males.
• Male associations were more prominent with total steps and step frequency.

Stepwise regression analysis indicated that most joint angles served as independent predictors of gait parameters, with the model achieving a maximum R² of 79%.

• Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the independent predictive ability of joint angles for walking function.
• Key gait parameters predicted included walking speed and step length.
• The maximum R² reached 79%, indicating high model fit.
• Trunk, hip, knee, and ankle joint angles were included as potential predictors in the regression models.

Gender differences in the relationship between joint angles and gait parameters suggest that sex-specific considerations should inform the design of walking rehabilitation programs for older adults.

• The study found distinct patterns of association between joint angles and gait parameters for males versus females.
• Authors recommend that 'gender differences should be fully considered when designing walking functional training or rehabilitation programs for older adults.'
• Tailored exercise rehabilitation plans are proposed to delay gait function decline and enhance walking ability.
• The study population consisted of healthy older adults aged 60–80 years without motor dysfunction.