A biomechanical investigation of stair descent in postmenopausal women: A regression analysis considering walking speed and T-score
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Introduction
Previous studies have examined gait biomechanics during stair descent in older adults, but limited evidence exists on how bone mineral density (BMD) influences these mechanics in postmenopausal women, a group at increased risk of falls and fractures. This study investigated the relationship between self-selected stair descent speed and femoral neck BMD (T-score) with gait biomechanical parameters in postmenopausal women across a wide range of T-scores, from normal to osteoporotic.
Methods
Forty-five postmenopausal women (mean ± SD age: 67.3 ± 1.5 years) descended a five-step, custom-built staircase at a self-selected speed, without using handrails. Three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction force (GRF) data were collected using motion capture and force plates. Multiple linear regression models assessed how stair descent speed and femoral neck T-score influenced stair descent gait parameters.
Results
The participants’ mean stair descent speed was 0.80 ± 0.21 m·s⁻¹. Speed significantly explained variance in temporal-spatial, kinematic, GRF, joint moment, and joint power parameters (R² = 7% to 49%, P ≤ 0.01). The inclusion of femoral neck T-score in the regression models further improved the explanatory power of the model in anterior pelvic tilt (R² = 21%, P ≤ 0.01), hip adduction (R² = 11%, P ≤ 0.01), hip extension (R² = 29%, P ≤ 0.01), knee flexion (R² = 21%, P ≤ 0.01), ankle dorsiflexion (R² = 19%, P ≤ 0.001), mid-stance vertical GRF (R² = 20%, P ≤ 0.01) during the forward continuance phase, and the second vertical GRF peak (R² = 15%, P ≤ 0.01).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that stair descent speed and femoral neck T-score significantly influence lower limb biomechanics, accounting for up to 29% of the variance in key variables, particularly during the controlled lowering phase. Postmenopausal women with low BMD adopted altered movement strategies, such as increased frontal plane motion at the hip and pelvis, which may serve to maintain balance but could also elevate the risk of falls. The substantial eccentric muscle demands during stair descent contribute to mechanical loading of the lower limb skeleton, underscoring its potential not only as a complex functional task but also as an osteogenic stimulus. These findings highlight the value of targeted interventions aimed at improving eccentric strength and trunk control to enhance stair negotiation safety and support both musculoskeletal function and bone health in individuals with low BMD.
