Kidney function, gait pattern and fall in the general population: a cohort study.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Geriatrics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of falls.
• Gait disturbance is a proposed mechanism linking kidney disease to falls.
• The relationship between kidney function, gait, and falls in the general population requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between kidney function and gait patterns in the general population.
• To determine if the link between impaired kidney function and falls is exacerbated by poor gait.

Main Methods:

• 1430 participants from the Rotterdam Study were analyzed.
• Kidney function was assessed using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR).
• Gait was evaluated for global score, velocity, and seven specific domains; regression models adjusted for confounders were used.

Main Results:

• Lower eGFR and higher ACR were associated with reduced global gait scores and slower gait velocity.
• Worse kidney function correlated with lower scores in the gait Variability domain.
• The association between impaired kidney function and fall history was significant only in individuals with poorer gait.

Conclusions:

• A graded association exists between decreased kidney function and impaired gait.
• Individuals with reduced kidney function, even early-stage, should be assessed for gait abnormalities.
• Fall prevention programs may benefit individuals with declining kidney function and gait impairment.