Quantitative Analysis of Gait Dysfunction in Sarcopenia Patients: Based on Spatiotemporal Parameters and Kinematic Performance

Abstract

Background: Sarcopenia is the disease characterized by muscle loss, and leading to functional decline and increased mortality, especially affects the elderly. Gait abnormalities are common perform the dysfunction but are understudied quantitatively.Method: Sixty-two participants (20 sarcopenia, 42 healthy) were recruited for gait analysis. The clinically characterized data including anthropometric data, muscle mass, handgrip strength were measured. The spatiotemporal and the kinematic parameters during gait were also captured through the three-dimensional motion capture.Results: Sarcopenia patients exhibited significant differences in spatiotemporal parameters and joint kinematics. Particularly in the knee joint range of motion and specific phased of joint angular change during gait, the functional limitations were indicated.Conclusion: The reduced stride length and speed, along with wider step width, highlight the functional decline impacted by sarcopenia. The gait patterns were also influenced with patients adopting conservative strategies for stability. Joint angle differences suggest limitations in sagittal and coronal plane movements, affecting balance and joint biomechanics. This quantitative study demonstrates the functional impact of sarcopenia on gait, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessment and tailored interventions to improve mobility and quality of life in elderly populations.

Note:
Funding declaration: This project was sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31972924), the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (22S31906000), and the Pudong Science Technology and Economy Commission (210H1147900), “Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan” of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (23S31901000, 22S31906000).

Conflict of Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Ethical Approval: The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Ninth’s Hospital (approval number: SH9H-2021-T134-1).

Keywords: Sarcopenia, gait analysis, joint angle, Spatiotemporal parameters