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Updated: Mar 13, 2026
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Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults
Published on: November 7, 2014
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Gait disorders in adults and the elderly : A clinical guide
Walter Pirker1,2, Regina Katzenschlager3
1Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria. walter.pirker@meduniwien.ac.at.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|October 23, 2016
Summary
Gait disorders significantly impact health and quality of life, especially in older adults. Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing these complex conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Human gait relies on integrated nervous, musculoskeletal, and cardiorespiratory systems.
- Gait disorders are prevalent in older adults, increasing with age and impacting independence.
- Preferred walking speed is a key health and survival indicator in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of gait disorders, including their causes, diagnosis, and management.
- To highlight the impact of gait disorders on quality of life and personal freedom.
- To review the phenotypic spectrum and diagnostic approaches for gait disturbances.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of gait patterns.
- Focused patient history taking.
- Physical, neurological, and orthopedic examinations.
- Review of common etiological factors, including neurological and non-neurological causes.
- Discussion of diagnostic work-up and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Gait disorders affect over 60% of individuals over 80 years old.
- Common causes include sensory ataxia, parkinsonism, frontal gait disorders, and osteoarthritis.
- Polypharmacy and cognitive impairment are significant contributing factors.
- Multiple co-existing causes are frequent in older patients.
Conclusions:
- Gait disorders are multifactorial, increasing in prevalence and complexity with age.
- Thorough clinical assessment is fundamental for accurate categorization and guiding investigations.
- Effective management requires a holistic approach addressing underlying causes and functional impairments.
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