The Relation of Three-dimensional Knee Kinematics between Walking and Squatting for Healthy Young and Elderly Adults

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to study the correlation of knee range of motion between walking and squatting for young and elderly populations. [Subjects] Sixteen young and eight elderly healthy subjects were recruited for this study. [Methods] Three-dimensional joint motions of each subject were captured while they performed walking and squatting exercises. [Results] Significant differences in the non-sagittal plane knee motions (peak adduction, and peak external and internal rotation) were revealed between the young and the elderly during squatting. Correlations of three-dimensional knee range of motion between walking and squatting were positive and high in all three planes for the young subjects (R-2= 0.70, 0.52, and 0.45, respectively), but not for the elderly subjects (R-2= 0.23, 0.0004, and 0.05, respectively). [Conclusion] We suggest that changes in secondary knee kinematics and poor correlations between walking and squatting for the elderly may result from degeneration of the sensory and neuromuscular systems. It could be injurious for the elderly to perform high flexion activities.