Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
08:56
Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients and Older Adults
Published on: November 7, 2014
Impact of Sleep Quality on Gait Variability: Pilot Cohort Study.
Francesca R Marino1, Minzae Kim2, Phillip H Hwang1,3,4
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, 72 E Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, United States, 1 617-206-6148.
JMIR Aging
|June 16, 2026
Summary
Poor sleep quality increases step width variability in older adults, impacting gait stability. Improving sleep may be key to reducing fall risk and enhancing physical function.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sleep Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Increased step width variability is linked to impaired physical function and falls in older adults.
- Sleep disturbances are known contributors to gait and physical function deficits.
- The relationship between sleep quality and step width variability remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cross-sectional associations between objectively measured sleep quality and step width variability.
- To evaluate these associations in middle-aged and older adults during preferred walking conditions.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-two adults (mean age 71) underwent objective sleep assessment using cardiopulmonary coupling (SleepImage ring) for at least two nights.
- Participants completed a 10-m walk test at preferred speed, with gait parameters measured by inertial sensors (APDM Mobility Lab).
- Sleep variables (duration, efficiency, fragmentation, stability, etc.) and step width variability (medial, minimal, lateral displacement) were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Higher sleep fragmentation correlated with increased probability of wider step width variability (≥7.5 cm).
- Greater sleep stability was associated with a lower probability of wider step width variability.
- Improved sleep quality index, increased REM sleep, shorter apnea duration, and slower heart rate were linked to reduced lateral step displacement.
Conclusions:
- Poor sleep quality is significantly associated with increased step width variability in middle-aged and older adults.
- Sleep represents a potential modifiable risk factor for maintaining postural stability and reducing fall risk.
- Further research is warranted to determine if sleep interventions can improve gait stability and lower fall incidence.
