Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Walking is one of the most common and frequently recommended physical activity for seniors. It is meaningful to the individual and easy to perform. Walking allows exploring the environment and provides, not only physical stimulation but also mental. However, with advancing age and age-related changes, walking can become effortful and unpleasant. Walking difficulties are commonly reported by older adults that prevent them to gain health benefits from walking. Among many issues with walking limitations, the absence of heel-to-toe stepping pattern is frequently seen among seniors. With age-related biological and physical changes there is a loss of heel-to-gait pattern and most seniors tend to walk with a flat foot gait pattern. This prevents them from walking faster and walking for a longer time. This project will test the effect of a combination of three components (Walk-Well Toolkit) to improve walking in seniors compared to just an educational material comprised of simple exercises. The three components of Walk-Well Toolkit are: (1) a technology innovation called the Heel2Toe sensor; (2) a YouTube video; and (3) Walk-Well Workbook that consists of self-assessment and specific exercises to improve and promote healthful walking.