Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
08:56
Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults
Published on: November 7, 2014
13.9K
Postural change, gait, and physical function in older adults
Eryn N Murphy1, Yong Woo An2, Sang-Rok Lee3
1Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
Gait & Posture
|June 21, 2024
Summary
Standing after lying down significantly slows gait speed and increases fall risk in older adults. This posture change impacts balance and physical function, highlighting a need for new screening methods.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Clinical Physiology
Background:
- Orthostatic hypotension, a hemodynamic response to posture change, is clinically relevant for physical function.
- Gait and physical function impairments are linked to fall risk in older adults.
- The impact of posture change on gait and physical function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of posture change on spatiotemporal gait parameters.
- To assess the influence of posture change on Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) performance.
Main Methods:
- Forty-two older adults (mean age 73.21 years) participated.
- Gait velocity, cadence, stride length, and active propulsion were measured using a Tekscan gait system.
- TUG performance was compared after seated rest versus supine rest using dependent t-tests.
Main Results:
- Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) performance was significantly slower after supine rest (11.47s) compared to seated rest (10.01s).
- Gait velocity and cadence were significantly reduced after supine rest.
- Percent of time in active propulsion was significantly lower after supine rest.
Conclusions:
- Posture change from supine to standing is associated with gait parameters indicative of increased fall risk in older adults.
- Supine rest significantly impairs TUG performance compared to seated rest.
- Future research should explore the utility of supine rest for falls risk screening.
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