Walking is one of the most natural human movements; however, its efficiency decreases with age progression, mainly during the transposition of incline surfaces, where the risk of accident increases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the differences in gait patterns between active (ACT) and sedentary (SED) elderly compared to adult individuals (ADU) during locomotion on incline surface (ramp). METHODS: Forty-five subjects (15 ADU, 15 ACT and 15 SED) walked up and down a ramp with 10% of inclination. The kinematic (Vicon MX-13) and kinetic (Force Plate AMTI) analysis of the gait variables was performed. RESULTS: Reduction on amplitude and impulse power around SED and ACT ankle was identified during the incline gait on the ramp compared with ADU. Major differences between ADU and SED/ACT groups concerning displacement velocity during decline gait were identified, probably due to elastic muscle limitations around the hip. CONCLUSION: Apparently, the level of physical activity does not influence on the SED and ACT gait; however, an IPAQ limitation in accurately classify this level, may have affected the results. Future longitudinal studies in which individuals are submitted to different physical activity volume are necessary to confirm these findings.
ramp; kinematics; physical activity; kinetics
