Neurologic assessment and therapy of patients with impaired mobility

Disorders of mobility are an important determinant of function in older persons. As a risk factor for falls, these disorders also contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in older individuals. Although many causes are neurologic, potentially reversible nonneurologic contributors need to be carefully ruled out. Patients with more advanced mobility impairments may benefit from having their specific problem areas defined, with physical therapists then providing training programs in specific functional domains.