Are there different factors affecting walking speed and gait cycle variability between men and women in community-dwelling older adults?

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the relationships between walking speed and gait cycle variability, and muscle strength and postural stability, with a focus on gender differences.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine whether there are different factors affecting walking speed and gait cycle variability between men and women in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS: The subjects comprised 712 community-dwelling older adults (252 men, 460 women, aged 68.7 ± 4.8 years). Walking speed and coefficient of variation (CV) of step time at a comfortable walking pace were measured. The maximal isometric strength of six lower limb muscles and postural stability were evaluated. Stepwise regression analysis was performed, using lower limb muscle strength and postural stability as independent variables, to investigate the association with walking speed or CV.

RESULTS: For older men, age, body mass index (BMI) and quadriceps setting (QS) strength were significant and independent determinants of walking speed. No variables were identified as significant determinants of CV. For older women, BMI and hip flexion, hip abduction, QS muscle strength were significant determinants of walking speed. Only hip abduction strength was a significant determinant of CV.

DISCUSSION: The results of this study suggest that QS strength is related to walking speed in both men and women, whereas hip flexion and abduction muscle strength are related to walking speed, and hip abduction muscle strength is related to gait cycle variability in older women.

CONCLUSION: Gender differences exist in factors affecting walking speed and gait cycle variability in community-dwelling older adults.