Effects of sport participation on gait coordination, symmetry and variability in older adults

The aim of this study was to compare the interlimb coordination, asymmetry, and variability between older adult who participated in sports (n=25; age=72.6±6.46 years) and sedentary older adults (n=20; age=70.85±3.82 years). The sport participants were selected from tennis and badminton clubs, whereas the sedentary participants were recruited from local community centres. The participants walked at their preferred speed in a 10-meter walkway for 2 minutes. The interlimb coordination was measured by the phase coordination index. Other walking metrics were speed, cadence, swing time, stance time, double-support time, stride time, and swing time asymmetry. The results showed that the sport participants relative to the sedentary group had better interlimb coordination, higher walking speed and cadence, and less swing time variability. Young older adults also had a better interlimb coordination. In conclusion, the findings of this study showed that long-term participation in sports has some anti-ageing benefits on gait coordination and symmetry in older adults.