Role of muscle thickness on overground gait and obstacle crossing in older adults

Walking independence is an important component of the elderly’s quality of life. Losses in muscle mass may impair mobility and reduce independence. Here we determined whether lower limb muscles’ thickness relates to and is able to explain the gait performance. Fifteen older individuals participated (75.4±5 years old). Images were obtained from the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) using a B-mode ultrasound. Kinematic of overground gait and gait with obstacle crossing were assessed at preferred and at maximal speeds, using a Vicon Motion System. Pearson correlations were determined and single or stepwise multiple regressions were performed. It was verified that RF and VL thicknesses play an important role on overground gait, while TA thickness on the obstacle crossing ability. They should receive attention when designing intervention programs aimed at improving independence and reducing the risk of falls.