This time, we evaluated the characteristics of the movement trajectory and foot contact position when Parkinson's disease patients and elderly people change direction by Timed up and go test (TUG) using a high-precision gait measurement system using a laser range sensor. The following has become clear.

　First, it was found that patients with Parkinson's disease turned with their feet touching the ground near the marker in TUG, and those with a stronger tendency had a shorter stride during turning.This suggests that patients with Parkinson's disease may have a greater reduction in stride length during turning by grounding their foot near the marker and attempting to turn at a sharper angle.
For elderly people, the distance (horizontal width of the foot) is wide in TUG, and the maximum front distance between the starting point and the foot contact position at the time of turning is large, that is, the foot touches the space deeper than the marker and turns. I understand.Widening the distance for older people when turning may be a compensatory strategy to reduce lateral dynamic instability.

　Appropriate control of the locus of movement and the contact position of the foot is considered important for smooth turning, but these are impaired by Parkinson's disease and aging.It has been reported that patients with Parkinson's disease have a slower turnover speed and a slower stride length, and elderly people have an increased number of steps during a turnover and a slower speed.

　The findings of this study, such as the movement trajectory of Parkinson's disease patients and the elderly when changing direction, the tendency of the foot contact position, and the relationship with the stride length, will be useful for exercise therapy and motion guidance for Parkinson's disease patients and the elderly in the future. It is expected.

Paper information:[Gait & Posture] Foot steps and walking trajectories during the Timed Up and Go test in young, older, and Parkinson's disease subjects