In 2011, a pioneering double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial, researchers led by Jaclyn R Watt aimed to investigate the efficacy of a 10-week supervised hip flexor stretching program in frail elderly subjects. The study, sheds light on potential interventions to address age-related decline in gait function.

Seventy-four frail elderly individuals participated in the study, with 41 subjects allocated to the control group and 33 subjects to the treatment group. The intervention involved a twice-daily hip flexor stretching program supervised by a rehabilitation clinician for 10 weeks. Meanwhile, the control group underwent a shoulder abductor stretching program of equal duration.

The researchers assessed dynamic peak hip extension, peak anterior pelvic tilt, stride length, and gait speed during comfortable and fast-paced walking, along with passive hip extension range of motion.

Following the 10-week intervention, the treatment group exhibited significant enhancements in walking speed and stride length compared to baseline measurements. Notably, there were no statistically significant changes in peak hip extension or anterior pelvic tilt during both comfortable and fast-paced walking. However, the treatment group demonstrated a marked increase in passive hip extension range of motion.

The study concludes that a straightforward stretching program can effectively ameliorate certain aspects of age-related decline in gait function among frail elderly patients. However, the lack of consistent improvements in walking kinematics is attributed to the complex array of disabilities and limitations inherent in the frail population.

These findings underscore the potential of supervised stretching interventions to enhance gait performance in elderly individuals. Future research could explore additional interventions or combination therapies to address the multifaceted challenges associated with age-related gait decline in this vulnerable demographic.

Reference: Watt, J. R., Jackson, K., Franz, J. R., Dicharry, J., Evans, J., & Kerrigan, D. C. (2011). Effect of a supervised hip flexor stretching program on gait in frail elderly patients. Pm&r, 3(4), 330-335.