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Abstract
The purpose of this research study was to determine whether selected residential carpet and pad contributed to gait problems among healthy, community-dwelling older adults. Twenty-five older adults (mean age 73.25; S.D. 7.48) were recruited through various organizations located in West Texas. Subjects were free from existing conditions (e.g., severe orthopedic problems, neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, severe visual diseases, inner ear diseases, and inner ear infections) that might have affected balance and gait control. Gait speed, number of steps, manner of turning, weaving, sitting to standing, standing to sitting, timed one-leg stance, and changes in gait speed were measured while subjects walked a 12-foot gait course. The gait course consisted of residential carpet (i.e., a 36-ounce, 112 in. pile height, 1/8 in. gauge, cut pile carpet) and pad (i.e., a rebonded polyurethane, six-pound density, 7/16 in. thick padding), and vinyl tile. The older adults walked significantly more slowly on the carpet versus the vinyl tile, suggesting that these subjects were more hesitant when they encountered a compliant sugace. None of the other gait measures were statistically significant. The results of this study indicated limited subject dzficulty when walking on the selected carpet.
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Notes on contributors
Joan I. Dickinson
Joan I. Dickinson, Ph.D., IIDA, Assistant Professor, Department of Consumer Affairs, Auburn University, Auburn, AL.
JoAnn L. Shroyer
JoAnn L. Shroyer, Ph.D., Department Chair, Merchandising, Environmental Design and Consumer Economics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.
Jeffery W. Elias
Jeffery W. Elias, Ph.D., Professor and Associate Director of Research, Sanford Center for Aging, University of Nevada, Reno.