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Published on: November 7, 2014
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Step width variability as a discriminator of age-related gait changes
Andreas Skiadopoulos1, Emily E Moore1,2, Harlan R Sayles3
1Department of Biomechanics and Center for Research in Human Movement Variability, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Biomechanics Research Building 214, 6160 University Drive South, Omaha, NE, 68182-0860, USA.
Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation
|March 7, 2020
Summary
Older adults (65+) exhibit higher step width variability, increasing fall risk. Thresholds for excessive variability were identified, with values above 2.50 cm indicating higher risk.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Older adults (65+) demonstrate increased step width variability during walking.
- This increased variability is linked to a higher risk of falling in the elderly population.
- Current research lacks defined threshold levels for normative and excessive step width variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish optimal reference ranges for step width variability in older adults.
- To differentiate between normative and excessive step width variability.
- To provide benchmarks for identifying fall risk in older populations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across 11 major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.) until September 2018.
- Meta-analysis of 10 studies comparing step width variability in younger and older adults.
- Application of single-decision (Youden index) and two-decision (uncertain interval) threshold methods.
Main Results:
- Older adults showed significantly higher step width variability compared to younger adults (SMD = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.60–1.70).
- The single-decision threshold for excessive step width variability was determined to be 2.14 cm.
- The two-decision method identified excessive variability above 2.50 cm and normative variability below 1.97 cm.
Conclusions:
- Step width variability is notably higher in older adults, with values exceeding 2.50 cm considered excessive.
- These findings provide critical thresholds for assessing fall risk related to gait.
- The established ranges can inform the design of rehabilitation technologies aimed at enhancing lateral stability in older adults.
