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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults
Published on: November 7, 2014
Normative spatiotemporal gait parameters in older adults
John H Hollman1, Eric M McDade, Ronald C Petersen
1Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Program in Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States. hollman.john@mayo.edu
Gait & Posture
|May 3, 2011
Summary
This study identified five key domains of gait performance in older adults: rhythm, phase, variability, pace, and base of support. These findings provide normative data for 23 spatiotemporal gait parameters.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Clinical Gait Analysis
Background:
- Previous research identified pace, rhythm, and variability in older adult gait.
- Comprehensive analyses and normative data for many gait parameters are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a factor analysis on 23 spatiotemporal gait parameters.
- To establish normative gait data for healthy older adults (70+ years).
Main Methods:
- Factor analysis of spatiotemporal gait parameters from 294 participants in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging.
- Gait data collected using the GAITRite electronic walkway.
Main Results:
- Five domains of gait performance were identified: rhythm, phase, variability, pace, and base of support.
- Significant differences in gait domains were observed between sexes and age groups.
- Reference values for 23 gait parameters were established.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a framework for understanding gait in older adults through five distinct domains.
- Established normative data can aid clinicians and researchers in assessing gait dysfunction.
- Findings highlight sex and age-related differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters.
