Comparative Study on Human Stepping Friction Between Different Age and Gender Groups

To investigate the effects of age and gender on gait characteristics and tribological mechanisms during human walking, a study was conducted on the walking gait of individuals of various ages and genders on horizontal roadways. A total of 207 volunteers, including 103 males and 104 females, were recruited and divided into three age groups: 41~50 years, 51~60 years and 61~70 years. Static plantar parameters, velocity, acceleration and contact forces were measured using plantar pressure plates, three-dimensional force platforms, and three-dimensional motion capture systems. Additionally, the required friction coefficient was calculated. The results indicated that as age increased, male participants exhibited decreased asymmetry in foot lift height, total step length, step length asymmetry, and asymmetry in lateral heel load, while static load asymmetry between the left and right feet increased. The peak values of walking speed and acceleration gradually decreased. Females had higher Fx and Fy values than males, while males had higher Fz values than females in the 60~70 age group. With increasing age, the required friction coefficient gradually decreased. In the 41~60 age range, males had higher peak required friction coefficient values than females, with an earlier occurrence of required friction coefficient 1 and a later occurrence of required friction coefficient 2 compared to females. However, in the 61~70 age range, males had lower peak required friction coefficient values than females, with both required friction coefficient 1 and required friction coefficient 2 occurring later than in females. The study found that gait stability gradually decreased in older adults, and there were differences in gait tendencies between males and females as they aged. Furthermore, the ways and mechanisms by which male and female elderly individuals regulate gait stability also differed.