Nordic walking and arm swing asymmetry in people with Parkinson's disease: protocol for a randomised clinical trial.

People with Parkinson's disease (PD) face disruptions in arm swing (AS) motion during walking, including a reduction in amplitude and an increase in asymmetry. Both conditions are detrimental to gait performance. Nordic walking (NW) is a walking modality that uses poles and can positively affect the parameters of AS. This study aims to compare an NW with a free walking (FW) protocol and investigate its effects on AS asymmetry, AS amplitude and gait parameters in people with PD. Twenty-eight people with PD, stages 1-3 on the Hoehn and Yahr Scale, will be randomly assigned to the NW training group (n=14) or the FW training group (n=14). The primary outcomes are amplitude asymmetry of AS (%) and AS amplitude (deg). We will also analyse temporospatial measurements during walking, functional mobility and quality of life. Blinded researchers will conduct evaluations at baseline (T0), postintervention (T1) and at 1 month follow-up (T2). Participants will complete 24 supervised NW or FW training sessions for 12 weeks. This is the first study to address the effects of NW on the asymmetry of AS, AS amplitude and its influence on gait parameters. We hypothesise that an NW programme in PD will reduce the asymmetry and increase the AS amplitude during gait to a greater extent than FW. The results of this study may provide new evidence to understand the effects of NW on gait in people with PD. The study was registered in ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT06342271).

Movement strategies during obstacle crossing in people with Parkinson disease: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Navigating obstacles involves adjusting walking patterns, particularly when stepping over them. This task may be particularly challenging for people with Parkinson disease (PD) for several reasons. This review aims to compare the spatiotemporal gait parameters of people with and without PD while stepping over obstacles. LITERATURE SURVEY: A systematic literature search was conducted in six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, Embase, and SciELO) from inception to September 2023. METHODOLOGY: Studies were selected that evaluated gait parameters of people with and without PD while walking over obstacles. Two independent researchers evaluated the eligibility and extracted gait parameters during obstacle crossing. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2-tests. Random effects models were determined for effect sizes as standardized mean differences (SMD). SYNTHESIS: Twenty-five studies were included in the review and 17 in the meta-analysis. Most of the studies (58%) showed a low risk of bias. People with PD exhibit a shorter step when landing after crossing an obstacle (SMD = -0.50 [-0.69 to -0.31]). Compared to people without PD, people with PD also widen their support base (SMD = 0.27 [0.07-0.47]) and reduce gait velocity (SMD = -0.60 [-0.80 to -0.39]) when crossing the obstacle. CONCLUSIONS: People with PD adopt a more conservative motor behavior during obstacle crossing than those without PD, with a shorter step length when landing after crossing an obstacle, greater step width and lower crossing speed.

Effect of M-wave Amplitude on Inter-evaluator Concordance and Number of Detected Innervation Zones in the Medial Gastrocnemius Using Multichannel Electromyography / Efecto de la Amplitud de la Onda M sobre la Concordancia entre Evaluadores y el Número de Zonas de Inervación Detectadas en el Gastrocnemio Medial Mediante Electromiografía Multicanal

SUMMARY: The Innervation Zones (IZ) correspond to clusters of neuromuscular junctions. The traditional method of locating IZs through voluntary muscle contractions may not be feasible in individuals with motor disorders. Imposed contractions by electrostimulation are an alternative. However, there is limited evidence regarding the factors that affect inter-evaluator concordance and the number of localized IZs when using imposed contraction. The main objective of this research was to determine the effect of the amplitude of compound motor action potentials (CMAPs) containing the M-wave on inter-evaluator agreement. As a secondary objective, was investigate the effect on the number of detected IZs. Twenty-four healthy volunteers (age: 21.2 ± 1.5years, weight: 67.4 ± 13.2kg, height: 1.68 ± 0.80m) participated in the study. Electrostimulation was applied to the tibial nerve to induce contraction of the medial gastrocnemius. The IZ were identified based on the M-wave recorded through multichannel electromyography. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to assess sensitivity and specificity in detecting the IZs. Inter-rater agreement was evaluated using a two-way mixed effects test to determine the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The ROC analysis revealed that for both evaluators, a specificity of 95% was achieved with an amplitude ≥30 %. The area under the ROC curve was 0.980 [0.964, 0.996], indicating a strong influence of CMAP amplitude on detection of IZs. The highest level of agreement (ICC = 0.788 [0.713, 0.844]) among the evaluators was observed with CMAP amplitudes equal to or greater than 80 % of the maximum M-wave. The findings of this study demonstrate that both the number and the inter-evaluator concordance for detecting IZs using imposed contractions are strongly influenced by the amplitude of the M-wave. Higher M-wave amplitudes were associated with improved concordance and increased IZ detection, making it crucial to standardize amplitude settings for reliable outcomes.

Las Zonas de Inervación (IZ) corresponden a grupos de uniones neuromusculares. El método tradicional para localizar IZs mediante contracciones musculares voluntarias puede no ser factible en personas con trastornos motores. Las contracciones impuestas mediante electro estimulación son una alternativa. Sin embargo, existe poca evidencia sobre los factores que afectan la concordancia entre evaluadores y el número de IZs localizadas al usar este tipo de contracciones. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar el efecto de la amplitud de los potenciales de acción motores compuestos (PAMCs) que contienen la onda M sobre la concordancia entre evaluadores. Como objetivo secundario, se investigó el efecto sobre el número de IZs detectadas. Veinticuatro voluntarios sanos (edad: 21.2 ± 1.5 años, peso: 67.4 ± 13.2 kg, altura: 1.68 ± 0.80 m) participaron en el estudio. Se aplicó electroestimulación al nervio tibial para inducir la contracción del gastrocnemio medial. Las IZs se identificaron según la onda M registrada mediante electromiografía multicanal. Se realizó un análisis de curva de las característica del receptor (ROC) para evaluar la sensibilidad y especificidad en la detección de las IZs. La concordancia entre evaluadores se evaluó utilizando una prueba de efectos mixtos de dos vías para determinar los coeficientes de correlación intraclase (ICC). Se consideró un valor de p menor que 0.05 como estadísticamente significativo. El análisis ROC reveló que para ambos evaluadores se logró una especificidad del 95% con una amplitud ≥30 %. El área bajo la curva ROC fue de 0.980 [0.964, 0.996], lo que indica una fuerte influencia de la amplitud del CMAP en la detección de las IZs. El nivel más alto de concordancia (ICC = 0.788 [0.713, 0.844]) entre los evaluadores se observó con amplitudes de CMAP iguales o mayores al 80 % de la onda M máxima. Los hallazgos de este estudio demuestran que tanto el número como la concordancia entre evaluadores para detectar IZs mediante contracciones impuestas están fuertemente influenciados por la amplitud de la onda M. Las amplitudes más altas de la onda M se asociaron con una concordancia mejorada y un aumento en la detección de IZs, lo que hace crucial estandarizar los ajustes de amplitud para obtener resultados confiables.

Arm swing asymmetry in people with Parkinson's disease and its relationship with gait: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with Parkinson's disease present arm swing alterations that can adversely affect their locomotion. OBJECTIVE: To identify differences in arm swing asymmetry (ASA) between individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy individuals and to investigate the relationship between ASA, temporal-spatial gait parameters, and disease progression. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost up to February 2023. Cross-sectional studies evaluating parameters of arm swing (AS) and ASA were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklist, and the quality of the evidence was measured with a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review (1130 participants). Irrespective of the medication phase (ON or OFF) and the type of walk test employed, the meta-analysis showed moderate-quality evidence that individuals with PD have increased ASA amplitude (SMD = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.99; I²= 0%).Very low-quality evidence suggests higher ASA velocity (SMD=0.64; 95% CI: 0.24, 1.05; I²=59%) and lower AS amplitude on both the most affected (ES = -1.99, 95% CI: -3.04, -0.94, I2: 91%) and the least affected sides (ES = -0.75, 95% CI: -1.05, -0.44; I²=66%). Meta-regression indicated that ASA is inversely related to disease duration (Z: -2.4892, P< 0.05) and motor symptoms progression (Z: -2.1336, P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the medication phase and the type of walk test employed, individuals with PD exhibited greater ASA and decreased AS amplitude than healthy individuals. ASA decreases as the disease progresses and symptoms worsen.

Effects of high-intensity interval training on lean mass, strength, and power of the lower limbs in healthy old and young people.

Introduction: Whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can improve lean mass, strength, and power of the lower limbs in young and older people is still under discussion. This study aimed to determine the effect of HIIT on lean mass, maximal strength, rate of force development (RFD), and muscle power of both lower limbs in healthy young and older adults. Secondarily, to compare the effects of HIIT between dominant vs. non-dominant lower limbs of each group. Materials and methods: Healthy older (n = 9; 66 ± 6 years; BMI 27.1 ± 3.1 kg m-2) and young (n = 9; 21 ± 1 years; BMI 26.2 ± 2.8 kg m-2) men underwent 12 weeks of HIIT (3x/week) on a stationary bicycle. The evaluations were made before and after the HIIT program by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), anthropometry, force transducer and, Sit-to-Stand test. The outcomes analyzed were limb lean mass, thigh circumference, maximal voluntary isometric strength, RFD (Time intervals: 0-50, 50-100, 100-200, and 0-200 ms), and muscle power in both lower limbs. Results: After 12 weeks of HIIT, non-dominant limb (NDL) showed increase in limb lean mass (p < 0.05) but without interaction (time*group). HIIT showed a gain in absolute maximal strength and also when adjusted for thigh circumference in the dominant lower limb (DL) in both groups. The RFD0-200 ms showed differences between groups but without interaction. The RFD0-50 ms of the NDL showed post-training improvements (p < 0.05) in both groups. Only the older group showed differences between DL vs. NDL in most of the RFD obtained post-intervention. In addition, post-HIIT muscle power gain was observed in both groups (p < 0.05), but mainly in older adults. Conclusion: HIIT promotes increases in lean mass, maximal strength, early RFD, and lower limb muscle power in healthy older and young individuals. The differences shown between the DL and the NDL must be analyzed in future studies.

Postural balance and body mass index in older adults; a descriptive and associative study testing traditional risk factors

Background: There is a scarcity of information about how much the postural balance parameters, as the area and mean velocity of the center of pressure (CoP), can be modified by traditionally adiposity markers in older adults. Objectives: To describe and associate postural balance parameters in Chilean older adults with different BMI. A second objective was to associate the area of balance with weight. Methods: In a descriptive study, Chilean older adults (mean age; 70 ± 1.0, BMI 29.0 ± 0.4 kg/m2) were categorized by a normoweight control group (CG, n = 7, BMI; 23.1 ± 0.5), overweight (OvW, n = 41, BMI; 27.6 ± 0.2), and obesity (Ob, n = 23, BMI; 34.2 ± 0.5). The subjects were evaluated on a stable/hard [HS]/soft [SS] surface, and under open [OE]/ closed [CE] eyes. Secondary outcomes were weight, height, BMI, and functional health. Univariate test and linear regression were applied. Results: CoP mean velocity on the HS and CE, showed significant differences between CG vs. OvW groups (24.9 ± 7.4 mm/s vs. 12.1 ± 0.97 mm/s, p < 0.0001). There were significant differences in Romberg index between CG vs. OvW group (176.7 ± 16.4% vs. 132.4 ± 7.1%, p = 0.002), and between CG vs. Ob group (176.7 ± 16.4% vs. 129.4 ± 17.2%, p = 0.005). On the SS with OE, there were significant differences between CG vs. OvW groups (29.8 ± 4.8 mm/s vs. 18.6 ± 1.2 mm/s, p < 0.003), and, on the SS, with CE, between CG vs. OvW groups (41.5 ± 31.2 mm/s vs. 24.6 ± 15.2 mm/s, p = 0.015). Conclusions: At higher BMI such as at overweight or obesity conditions, older adults show a reduced 'CoP mean velocity' than control normoweight peers', being 'weight' a traditional adiposity risk factor predictor of balance performance.

Introducción: Existe escaza información acerca de cómo los parámetros del balance postural, como el área y velocidad media del centro de presión (CoP), pueden ser modificados por marcadores tradicionales de adiposidad en personas mayores. Objetivos: Describir y asociar parámetros del balance postural en personas mayores con diferente IMC. Un segundo objetivo fue asociar el área de balance con el peso. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo con personas mayores chilenas (Edad; 70 ± 1.0, IMC 29,0 ± 0,4 kg/m2) fueron categorizadas en un grupo normopeso o control (CG, n = 7, IMC; 23,1 ± 0,5), sobrepeso (OvW, n = 41, IMC; 27,6 ± 0,2) y obesidad (Ob, n = 23, IMC; 34,2 ± 0,5). Los sujetos fueron evaluados en una superficie estable/dura [HS]/ e inestable o blanda [SS], y bajo ojos abiertos [OE]/y cerrados [CE]. Fueron variables secundarias el peso, talla, IMC y la salud funcional. Test univariado y regresión lineal fueron aplicados. Resultados: La velocidad media del CoP en HS con CE, mostró diferencias significativas entre los grupos CG vs OvW (24.9 ± 7.4 mm/s vs 12,1 ± 0,97 mm/s, p < 0,0001). Existieron diferencias significativas entre el Índice de Romberg entre CG vs OvW (176,7 ± 132,4% vs 121,3 ± 7,1%, p = 0,002) y entre CG vs Ob group (176,7 ± 16,4% vs. 129,4 ± 17,2%, p = 0,005). En SS con OE, existieron diferencias significativas entre CG vs OvW (29,8 ± 4,8 mm/s vs 18,6 ± 1,2 mm/s, p < 0,003), y sobre SS, con CE, entre CG vs OvW (41,5 ± 31,2 mm/s vs 24,6 ± 15,2 mm/s, p = 0,015). Conclusiones: A un elevado IMC, como en condiciones de sobrepeso u obesidad, personas mayores muestran una reducida velocidad media CoP en relación a sus pares normopeso, siendo el peso un factor de adiposidad tradicional predictor del balance.

Lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors in the ethnic and non-ethnic population > 15 years of age: results from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017 / Estilo de vida y factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en la población étnica y no étnica > 15 años: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de Chile 2016-2017

Background: lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors information is scarce regarding youth and adults of Latin-American ethnics. Objective: the primary aim was to describe the lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors for arterial hypertension (HTN) and diabetes in ethnic Latin-American groups (Mapuche and Aymara) and other non-ethnics > 15 years of age in the Chilean population. A secondary aim was to determine the association between physical activity ‘intensity’ with HTN and diabetes markers. Material and methods: a representative sample from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017, included Mapuche (EG-Map; women n = 166, men n = 300; total n = 466), Aymara (EG-Aym; women n = 96, men n = 55; total n = 151), and a non-ethnic population group (No-EG; women n = 2057, men n = 3445; total n = 5502). The main outcomes were; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting plasma glucose (GL), and secondary outcomes were other anthropometric, lipid profile, and lifestyle parameters. Results: GL was significantly associated with nutrition (0.9 %, p < 0.0001), tobacco and alcohol habits (0.6 %, p < 0.0001). SBP was significantly associated with nutrition (whole-grains 0.04, p = 0.001; water consumption 0.07, p < 0.0001), sleep hygiene (week 0.04, p = 0.030; on weekends -0.04, p = 0.026), and alcohol consumption (-0.06, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: in conclusion, lifestyle differences among Mapuche and Aymara ethnic groups in comparison with non-ethnic Chilean peers > 15 years are significantly associated with blood pressure and glycemia. (AU)

Antecedentes: la información sobre estilos de vida y factores de riesgo cardiometabólico es escasa en jóvenes y adultos de etnia latinoamericana. Objetivo: el objetivo principal fue describir el estilo de vida y los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico para la hipertensión arterial (HTA) y la diabetes en grupos étnicos latinoamericanos (Mapuche y Aymara) y otros no étnicos > 15 años de la población chilena. Un objetivo secundario fue determinar la asociación de la “intensidad” de la actividad física con la HTA y los marcadores de diabetes. Material y métodos: muestra representativa de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de Chile 2016-2017, compuesta por mapuches (EG-Map; mujeres n = 166, hombres n = 300; total n = 466), aymaras (EG-Aym; mujeres n = 96, hombres n = 55; total n = 151) y un grupo poblacional no étnico (No-GE; mujeres n = 2057, hombres n = 3445; total n = 5502). Las principales evaluaciones fueron la presión arterial sistólica (PAS), la presión arterial diastólica (PAD) y la glucosa plasmática en ayunas (GL), y los resultados secundarios fueron otros parámetros antropométricos, del perfil lipídico y del estilo de vida. Resultados: la GL se asoció significativamente a los hábitos nutricionales (0,9 %, p < 0,0001) y los hábitos de tabaco y alcohol (0,6 %, p < 0,0001). La PAS se asoció significativamente con la nutrición (cereales integrales 0,04, p = 0,001; consumo de agua 0,07, p < 0,0001), higiene del sueño (semana 0,04, p = 0,030; fines de semana -0,04, p = 0,026) y consumo de alcohol (- 0,06, p < 0,0001). Conclusión: en conclusión, las diferencias de estilo de vida entre las etnias mapuche y aymara en comparación con sus pares chilenos no étnicos mayores de 15 años se asocian significativamente con la presión arterial y la glucemia. (AU)

Lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors in the ethnic and non-ethnic population > 15 years of age: results from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017.

Introduction: Background: lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors information is scarce regarding youth and adults of Latin-American ethnics. Objective: the primary aim was to describe the lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors for arterial hypertension (HTN) and diabetes in ethnic Latin-American groups (Mapuche and Aymara) and other non-ethnics > 15 years of age in the Chilean population. A secondary aim was to determine the association between physical activity 'intensity' with HTN and diabetes markers. Material and methods: a representative sample from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017, included Mapuche (EG-Map; women n = 166, men n = 300; total n = 466), Aymara (EG-Aym; women n = 96, men n = 55; total n = 151), and a non-ethnic population group (No-EG; women n = 2057, men n = 3445; total n = 5502). The main outcomes were; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting plasma glucose (GL), and secondary outcomes were other anthropometric, lipid profile, and lifestyle parameters. Results: GL was significantly associated with nutrition (0.9 %, p < 0.0001), tobacco and alcohol habits (0.6 %, p < 0.0001). SBP was significantly associated with nutrition (whole-grains 0.04, p = 0.001; water consumption 0.07, p < 0.0001), sleep hygiene (week 0.04, p = 0.030; on weekends -0.04, p = 0.026), and alcohol consumption (-0.06, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: in conclusion, lifestyle differences among Mapuche and Aymara ethnic groups in comparison with non-ethnic Chilean peers > 15 years are significantly associated with blood pressure and glycemia.

Introducción: Antecedentes: la información sobre estilos de vida y factores de riesgo cardiometabólico es escasa en jóvenes y adultos de etnia latinoamericana. Objetivo: el objetivo principal fue describir el estilo de vida y los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico para la hipertensión arterial (HTA) y la diabetes en grupos étnicos latinoamericanos (Mapuche y Aymara) y otros no étnicos > 15 años de la población chilena. Un objetivo secundario fue determinar la asociación de la "intensidad" de la actividad física con la HTA y los marcadores de diabetes. Material y métodos: muestra representativa de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de Chile 2016-2017, compuesta por mapuches (EG-Map; mujeres n = 166, hombres n = 300; total n = 466), aymaras (EG-Aym; mujeres n = 96, hombres n = 55; total n = 151) y un grupo poblacional no étnico (No-GE; mujeres n = 2057, hombres n = 3445; total n = 5502). Las principales evaluaciones fueron la presión arterial sistólica (PAS), la presión arterial diastólica (PAD) y la glucosa plasmática en ayunas (GL), y los resultados secundarios fueron otros parámetros antropométricos, del perfil lipídico y del estilo de vida. Resultados: la GL se asoció significativamente a los hábitos nutricionales (0,9 %, p < 0,0001) y los hábitos de tabaco y alcohol (0,6 %, p < 0,0001). La PAS se asoció significativamente con la nutrición (cereales integrales 0,04, p = 0,001; consumo de agua 0,07, p < 0,0001), higiene del sueño (semana 0,04, p = 0,030; fines de semana -0,04, p = 0,026) y consumo de alcohol (- 0,06, p < 0,0001). Conclusión: en conclusión, las diferencias de estilo de vida entre las etnias mapuche y aymara en comparación con sus pares chilenos no étnicos mayores de 15 años se asocian significativamente con la presión arterial y la glucemia.

Vibration motor stimulation device in smart leggings that promotes motor performance in older people.

Globally, accelerated aging is taking place alongside increased life expectancy of the population. This poses a challenge to maintaining autonomy and independence as people age but preventing falls and disabilities. Currently, there are few specific technologies on the market that are focused on the rehabilitation and promotion of autonomy in older adults. This study presents the development of a prototype (Myoviber®) of a low-cost, wearable everyday garment, designed to stimulate the lower limbs by the application of focal muscle vibration and incorporating technical textile qualities. The presented approach is proactive and preventive, maintaining functionality for the elderly while integrating electronic technology into an everyday garment. For this, a comprehensive study was carried out that included the design of the leggings through anthropometric analyses, the development of vibration devices at a stable frequency located in the knee extensor muscle and a smart belt with wireless connection, and the optimization of the battery autonomy. The development of the prototype was carried out through the construction of a vibratory device, which was validated with biomechanical evaluations. The results show an increase in the functional capacity of the lower limbs, in relation to motor tasks such as postural balance and gait in older people.

Postural balance and body mass index in older adults; a descriptive and associative study testing traditional risk factors.

BACKGROUND: There is a scarcity of information about how much the postural balance parameters, as the area and mean velocity of the center of pressure (CoP), can be modified by traditionally adiposity markers in older adults. OBJECTIVES: To describe and associate postural balance parameters in Chilean older adults with different BMI. A second objective was to associate the area of balance with weight. METHODS: In a descriptive study, Chilean older adults (mean age; 70 ± 1.0, BMI 29.0 ± 0.4 kg/m2) were categorized by a normoweight control group (CG, n = 7, BMI; 23.1 ± 0.5), overweight (OvW, n = 41, BMI; 27.6 ± 0.2), and obesity (Ob, n = 23, BMI; 34.2 ± 0.5). The subjects were evaluated on a stable/hard [HS]/soft [SS] surface, and under open [OE]/ closed [CE] eyes. Secondary outcomes were weight, height, BMI, and functional health. Univariate test and linear regression were applied. RESULTS: CoP mean velocity on the HS and CE, showed significant differences between CG vs. OvW groups (24.9 ± 7.4 mm/s vs. 12.1 ± 0.97 mm/s, p < 0.0001). There were significant differences in Romberg index between CG vs. OvW group (176.7 ± 16.4% vs. 132.4 ± 7.1%, p = 0.002), and between CG vs. Ob group (176.7 ± 16.4% vs. 129.4 ± 17.2%, p = 0.005). On the SS with OE, there were significant differences between CG vs. OvW groups (29.8 ± 4.8 mm/s vs. 18.6 ± 1.2 mm/s, p < 0.003), and, on the SS, with CE, between CG vs. OvW groups (41.5 ± 31.2 mm/s vs. 24.6 ± 15.2 mm/s, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: At higher BMI such as at overweight or obesity conditions, older adults show a reduced 'CoP mean velocity' than control normoweight peers', being 'weight' a traditional adiposity risk factor predictor of balance performance.

Postural Balance and Gait Parameters of Independent Older Adults: A Sex Difference Analysis.

Postural balance and gait are important factors in the functional status of older people; however, few studies have addressed differences by sex. The objective of this study was to analyze the postural balance and temporal−spatial parameters of gait in independent older adults by sex. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Thirty-eight independent older women (69 ± 5 years), and 33 men (71 ± 5 years) were evaluated. The postural balance test with open and closed eyes was performed on two surfaces (hard/soft) on a force platform. Gait was recorded with cameras to analyze cycle duration and speed, step length, stride length, and foot clearance. The area of postural balance was greater in men in all tests (p < 0.001). Foot clearance height and cycle duration were lower in women (p < 0.05). Men showed a negative correlation between the area of balance and gait parameters. In women, a positive correlation was observed between foot clearance and balance with eyes closed. The postural balance and gait suggest discrepancies by sex, showing that older men behave differently according to the requirement of the motor task compared to women. These findings suggest being corroborated in more complex studies in the future.