Association between environmental features and participation in physical activity have been shown in previous studies. However, these studies have not studied how environment influence on walking at individual level.
The aims are to study changes in gait biomechanics in laboratory, level environment outdoors and hilly environment outdoors and study whether alterations in gait biomechanics are associated with life-space mobility (an indicator of participation in outdoor activities) among older people.
The study is conducted in collaboration between University of Jyväskylä, Gerontology research center and Neuromuscular research center and the JAMK University of Applied Sciences School of Health and Social Studies. This project will generate new scientific knowledge on person-environment interaction and equal opportunities for participation in outdoor activities among older people.
Funding
Academy of Finland 2020-2025
Research group
Principal investigator
Merja Rantakokko, associate professor, TtT, docent.
Gerontology Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä and The wellbeing services county of Central Finland.
merja.h.rantakokko@jyu.fi
Researchers
Emmi Matikainen, doctoral researcher, Institute of Rehabilitation, University of Applied Sciences, Research topic: Validation of a sensor-fusion based wearable device for monitoring gait parameters in different environments with older people.
Eeva Aartolahti, TtT, Institute of Rehabilitation, University of Applied Sciences
Sanna Sihvonen TtT, Institute of Rehabilitation, University of Applied Sciences
Taija Juutinen, professor, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä
Neil Cronin, professor, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä