The Role of Gait Parameters in Cardiovascular Health Among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Putu Ayu Diah Puspita; Putu Ayu Sita Saraswati; Anak Agung Gede Angga Puspa Negara

doi:10.24843/mifi.000000446

Authors

Putu Ayu Diah Puspita Undergraduate and Professional Physiotherapy Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia Author
Putu Ayu Sita Saraswati Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University Author
Anak Agung Gede Angga Puspa Negara Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/mifi.000000446

Keywords:

Older adults, Stride Length, Walking Speed, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, SpO₂, Gait Pattern

Abstract

Introduction: Gait patterns in older adults change due to aging, particularly in stride length and walking speed. These changes may affect cardiorespiratory parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. Previous studies indicate that the most noticeable gait parameter changes in older adults are stride length and walking speed. Cardiorespiratory parameters often indicate overall health, including in older adults. The primary cardiorespiratory components relevant to assessing physiological function in older adults include blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 45 older adults selected through purposive sampling in November 2024. The independent variables were stride length and walking speed, while the dependent variables included blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s rho test due to non-normal distribution.

Results: Spearman’s rho analysis showed a strong and significant correlation between walking speed and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.865, p < 0.001) as well as heart rate (r = 0.659, p < 0.001). However, no significant correlation was found between walking speed and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.068, p = 0.659) or oxygen saturation (r = -0.266, p = 0.078). Stride length did not significantly correlate with blood pressure, heart rate, or oxygen saturation.

Conclusion: Walking speed is strongly associated with systolic blood pressure and heart rate in older adults, whereas stride length does not correlate significantly with the measured cardiorespiratory parameters.