| The purpose of this study was to determine how age and neurological disease affected trunk-pelvis coordination and mechanical energy transfer across the low back during free speed gait.; Trunk-pelvis coordination and mechanical energy transfer at the low back were analyzed during free speed gait in 223 subjects between 20–90 years old, 107 with peripheral vestibulopathy, 32 with cerebellopathy and 84 healthy subjects. Data were compared by age and by diagnosis.; Whereas healthy subjects' trunk-pelvis strategy changed with age, neurologically impaired subjects' trunk-pelvis strategy did not differ by age. Subjects with cerebellar disease expended more energy at the low back than did healthy subjects. Elderly subjects expended less mechanical energy at the low back, unburdening musculature more with segment-to-segment energy transfer. These data suggest neurological impairments have a greater effect on trunk-pelvis coordination than aging, resulting in a rigid movement strategy which increases low back musculature energy expenditure. |
