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Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults
Published on: November 7, 2014
Sensorimotor factors affecting gait variability in older people--a population-based study
Michele L Callisaya1, Leigh Blizzard, Jennifer L McGinley
1Menzies Research Institute, Private Bay 23, Tasmania, Australia.
Summary
Poorer sensorimotor function, including body sway, reaction time, and quadriceps strength, is linked to increased gait variability in older adults, potentially increasing fall risk.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Intra-individual gait variability is a predictor of falls and disability in older adults.
- Understanding gait variability's contributing factors can inform interventions to improve mobility and reduce fall risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sensorimotor performance and gait variability in a general older population.
- To identify specific sensorimotor factors contributing to gait variability.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study of 412 individuals aged 60-86 years.
- Gait parameters (step length, width, time, double support time) measured using a GAITRite walkway.
- Sensorimotor assessments included body sway, reaction time, quadriceps strength, proprioception, and contrast sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Increased body sway (eyes closed) correlated with greater variability in all gait measures.
- Slower reaction time was associated with increased temporal gait variability.
- Poorer proprioception and weaker quadriceps strength were linked to increased double support time and step time variability, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Body sway, reaction time, quadriceps strength, and proprioception are key factors influencing gait variability in older adults.
- Further research is needed to establish causality and test interventions targeting these factors to reduce gait variability and falls risk.
