Strategies adopted by younger and older adults while operating a non-pedal tricycle

BACKGROUND: Exercises that could prevent gait impairment of older adults should be implemented in such a way that practitioners can keep motivation and adherence independent of older adults fitness levels. OBJECTIVE: This study describes how younger and older adults use a non-pedal tricycle to transport their bodies along a pathway. METHODS: Nine younger (24 ± 4.9 y) and nine older (66 ± 4.0 y) adults participated in this study. They moved along a straight pathway at a self-selected comfortable speed with reflective markers on their main lower limb landmarks. A computerized gait analysis system with infrared cameras was used to obtain kinematic data to calculate spatial-temporal parameters and lower limb angles. RESULTS: Overall, participants from both groups were able to perform the task moving at a similar mean speed, with similar stride length and ankle joint excursion. Older adults had higher cadence (mean difference of 17 steps/min; 95% CI = 0.99–1.15) and hip excursion (mean difference of 12°; 95% CI = 28–33), longer stance duration (mean difference of 3.4%; 95% CI = 56.2–59.5), and lower knee excursion (mean difference of 6°; 95% CI = 47.9–53.8) than younger adults. CONCLUSION: Older adults were able to transport their body with a non-pedal tricycle with more hip and less knee excursion than younger adults. Professionals that work with the older population should look at and take into consideration the use of non-pedal tricycles in exercise protocols and investigate the long-term impacts.