Turning behavior in healthy older adults: Is there a preference for step versus spin turns?

This research examined the prevalence of step turns and spin turns during turning while walking in healthy older adults. The potential effect of magnitude of the turn and walking velocity on the prevalence of the step and spin turns were also investigated by examining the participants' performance as they made 45 degrees and 90 degrees turns while walking at three different velocities. Results showed that healthy older adults in our study preferred spin turns while walking either slower or faster than their natural walking speed. Only during 90 degrees turns while walking fast the participants showed a preference for step turns over spin turns. Spin turns are less stable and have a greater biomechanical cost than step turns. The high incidence of spin turns in older adults may contribute to the higher risk of falling in this population. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.