429 From pavement to practice: How lifelong runners reveal solutions for obesity-related disability in the Deep South

Objectives/Goals: This study addresses mobility disability in the aging Deep South population by: 1) identifying protective movement patterns against obesity-related decline and 2) providing clinicians evidence-based, comprehensive exercise recommendations to combat the region’s disproportionate burden of mobility disability. Methods/Study Population: We will recruit 60 participants: young adults (n=20, 18–35 years), older sedentary adults (n=20, 65+ years), and older lifelong runners (n=20, 65+ years, 10+ years consistent activity). Participants will undergo 3D gait analysis using motion capture and force plates across multiple walking speeds and dual-task conditions. We will measure novel speed-invariant collision dynamics (H1/K1 joint powers) alongside traditional propulsive measures (A2/H3). This approach eliminates speed confounds that have plagued aging research, allowing true assessment of whether lifelong exercise preserves youthful movement patterns and cognitive-motor integration. Novel, quantitative measures like this are critical for helping populations facing high obesity rates and manual labor demands. Results/Anticipated Results: We hypothesize older runners will demonstrate 1) smaller dual-task costs during cognitive challenge, suggesting maintained cognitive-motor integration and 2) more efficient ankle–hip power distribution, reflecting preservation of energy-efficient movement strategies. These findings will establish which biomechanical qualities are most protective against age-related decline and may reveal relationships between superior movement patterns and overall health status. Given the Deep South’s unique convergence of obesity, chronic disease, and limited healthcare access, identifying sustainable interventions like running that preserve mobility is critical for reducing regional health disparities. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Speed-invariant biomarkers enable early detection of movement dysfunction before disability manifests and understanding how biomechanical health relates to common comorbidities allows more comprehensive, targeted interventions addressing the region’s obesity and chronic disease burden.