[Gait, balance and muscle assessment in older adults]

Deficits in gait, balance, and maximal and explosive force production in older adults are associated with an increased risk of falls and multiple adverse health outcomes (e.g., dependence, institutionalization and death). Assessment of gait, balance and muscle performances may have important implications for the screening and management of at-risk patients, and the development of targeted interventions. The present article provides a brief overview of available assessment methods, including validated clinical tests suitable for daily practice, and more complex instrumented assessments, recommended for clinical trials or longitudinal studies.