The Forward Velocity of the Center of Pressure in the Midfoot is a Major Predictor of Gait Speed in Older Adults

SummaryBackgroundA better understanding of why gait speed declines with aging is necessary. Since the center of pressure (COP) controls the forward progression of the body during gait and the kinematic changes with aging are often observed during initial contact and toe-off phase, the forward COP velocities of these phases may have important roles for predicting gait speed.MethodsSixty-eight community dwelling older females (mean age 72.3 years) participated. The COP was measured using an F-scan pressure-sensitive insole system, and the anterior-posterior displacements versus time were quantified. The foot was divided into three regions (rear, mid, and forefoot), and the forward COP velocity was calculated at each region (Velocity 1, Velocity 2, and Velocity 3). Gait speed, double support phase (DSP), and cadence were also measured. Correlations and multiple regression analysis were performed.ResultsGait speed was significantly associated with age (r = −0.46), DSP (r = −0.51), cadence (r = 0.41), Velocity 1 (r = 0.29), and Velocity 2 (r = 0.61). However, no correlation was found between Velocity 3 and gait speed. In multiple regression analysis using gait speed as a dependent variable, age, DSP, and Velocity 2 were significant predictors of gait speed, with Velocity 2 being the most significant predictor.ConclusionThe COP velocity of the midfoot is an important factor for predicting gait speed, suggesting that the mobility of the COP during the single stance phase has a significant effect on gait speed in older adults.