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Published on: August 30, 2016
Milestones in gait, balance, and falling
John G Nutt1, Fay B Horak, Bastiaan R Bloem
1Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA. nuttj@ohsu.edu
Summary
Gait and balance disorders are increasingly recognized as crucial to patient quality of life. Advances in measurement, neuroimaging, and therapies are improving the understanding and management of mobility issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Movement Disorders
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Gait, balance, and falls are increasingly common research topics in Movement Disorders.
- Growing awareness highlights the importance of mobility for patients' quality of life.
Observation:
- New accurate measurement methods for gait and balance have emerged.
- Neuroimaging is revealing the neural circuitry involved in gait and balance.
- Understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of mobility is advancing.
Findings:
- Advances have led to new concepts in understanding gait and balance disorders.
- Research is beginning to elucidate the complex processes of mobility and disease disruption.
- Therapeutic nihilism regarding falls and gait disorders is diminishing.
Implications:
- Innovative therapies including physiotherapy, exercise, drugs, and deep brain stimulation are being developed.
- Improved understanding and measurement are paving the way for better patient outcomes.
- The field is shifting towards more proactive and effective management of mobility impairments.
