Balance Control During Stair Descent in Older Adults

Authors

David Wyatt, The University of Texas at TylerFollow

Abstract

Falls during step descent are a significant risk for older adults, often hindering independence in daily activities such as stair descent and stepping off curbs. This study examines the effects of gait width and foot angle on stability and control during step descent. PURPOSE: To determine whether a wider gait with a 30-degree foot angle improves stability and reduces the risk of falls, thereby supporting safer and more independent mobility in older adults. METHODS: Participants aged 18-25 and 70-79, with no known gait impairments or balance disorders, performed a 14 cm step descent using a normal gait and a wider gait with a 30-degree foot angle. Stability metrics, such as center of pressure displacement and balance index, were measured using force plates and motion capture systems. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in angular displacement in the anterior-posterior direction (flexion-extension) at the ankle and hip joints between age groups or foot positions. However, at the knee joint, younger adults exhibited greater knee flexion (53.48° ± 8.51°) compared to older adults (37.82° ± 8.55°). Additionally, the normal foot position resulted in a greater knee flexion angle (52.82° ± 8.51°) compared to the toes-out foot position (38.50° ± 8.55°). Notably, the difference in knee angular displacement between younger and older adults was reduced when adopting the toes-out foot position. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a wider gait with a 30-degree foot angle may influence knee mechanics by redistributing joint loading, potentially facilitating greater knee flexion in older adults. The observed reduction in knee flexion disparity between age groups in the toes-out condition highlights its potential to improve stability during step descent. While further research with a larger sample size is necessary, this strategy may serve as a practical intervention to enhance mobility and reduce fall risk in aging populations.

Recommended Citation

Wyatt, David (2025) "Balance Control During Stair Descent in Older Adults," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 17, Article 191.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss17/191