Volume 29, Issue 3 (8-2026)
J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026, 29(3): 0-0 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Rezazadeh F, Aali S, Nabati Sefidekhan M, Imani F. Effects of Iliopsoas Muscle Tightness on Ground Reaction Force Patterns During Walking in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026; 29 (3)
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-8190-en.html
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-8190-en.html
1- Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2- Department of Sport Science Education, Farhangian University, Farhangian University, P.O box: 14665-889, Tehran, Iran ,sh.aali@cfu.ac.ir
2- Department of Sport Science Education, Farhangian University, Farhangian University, P.O box: 14665-889, Tehran, Iran ,
Abstract: (71 Views)
Background and purpose: Iliopsoas tightness, as a key factor influencing pelvic and spinal alignment, may alter gait biomechanics and reduce locomotor efficiency in older adults. Since walking is a critical indicator of functional capacity and balance in this population, understanding the effects of iliopsoas tightness on gait-related kinetic parameters is essential. This study aimed to investigate the effects of iliopsoas tightness on ground reaction force (GRF) characteristics during walking in older adults.
Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional comparative study, thirty-six older adults aged 65–75 years (18 with iliopsoas tightness and 18 without) participated. Iliopsoas tightness was assessed using the Modified Thomas Test. Ground reaction forces in the vertical, anterior–posterior, and medial–lateral directions were recorded using a Bertec force plate (USA) at a 1000 Hz sampling rate. The analyzed variables included peak forces, time to peak, impulses, and free moments. Independent t-tests were used for between-group comparisons (p<0.05).
Ethical Considerations: All participants participated in the study with full knowledge of the detailed research process, signed written consent, and were aware of the possibility of withdrawing from cooperation at any stage of the research. The ethical code of the article is IR.UMA.REC.1404.027.
Findings: Participants with iliopsoas tightness demonstrated significantly higher anterior–posterior (p=0.033) and vertical (p=0.028) forces during heel contact, as well as greater medial–lateral forces during push-off (p=0.034). Conversely, the control group showed higher anterior–posterior force during push-off (p=0.021) and greater vertical (p=0.004) and anterior–posterior impulses (p=0.004). No other significant differences were observed.
Conclusion: Iliopsoas tightness is associated with notable alterations in ground reaction force profiles during walking in older adults, reflecting compensatory gait adaptations across sagittal and frontal planes. These findings highlight the importance of corrective interventions, such as stretching and hip mobility exercises, to enhance gait dynamics and postural stability in this population.
Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional comparative study, thirty-six older adults aged 65–75 years (18 with iliopsoas tightness and 18 without) participated. Iliopsoas tightness was assessed using the Modified Thomas Test. Ground reaction forces in the vertical, anterior–posterior, and medial–lateral directions were recorded using a Bertec force plate (USA) at a 1000 Hz sampling rate. The analyzed variables included peak forces, time to peak, impulses, and free moments. Independent t-tests were used for between-group comparisons (p<0.05).
Ethical Considerations: All participants participated in the study with full knowledge of the detailed research process, signed written consent, and were aware of the possibility of withdrawing from cooperation at any stage of the research. The ethical code of the article is IR.UMA.REC.1404.027.
Findings: Participants with iliopsoas tightness demonstrated significantly higher anterior–posterior (p=0.033) and vertical (p=0.028) forces during heel contact, as well as greater medial–lateral forces during push-off (p=0.034). Conversely, the control group showed higher anterior–posterior force during push-off (p=0.021) and greater vertical (p=0.004) and anterior–posterior impulses (p=0.004). No other significant differences were observed.
Conclusion: Iliopsoas tightness is associated with notable alterations in ground reaction force profiles during walking in older adults, reflecting compensatory gait adaptations across sagittal and frontal planes. These findings highlight the importance of corrective interventions, such as stretching and hip mobility exercises, to enhance gait dynamics and postural stability in this population.
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
