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Gait and activity in the elderly: implications for community falls-prevention and treatment programmes
J Cwikel1, A V Fried, D Galinsky
1Department of Social Work, Ben Gurion University of the Neger, Beer Sheba, Israel.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Falls are a major risk for older adults. This study explored how gait parameters, assessed using the ELGAM method, relate to social and physical activity, suggesting these activities are important for fall prevention in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Public Health
Background:
- Falls are a leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and mortality in older adults.
- Multiple factors contribute to falls, including medical, psychosocial, age-related changes, and environmental hazards.
- Many fall-related factors are modifiable, indicating that falls are theoretically preventable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between gait parameters measured by the ELGAM (Elderly Gait Assessment) method and levels of social and physical activity in community-dwelling older adults.
- To inform the development of community-based fall prevention programs.
Main Methods:
- A gait assessment method, ELGAM, was developed and applied.
- The study involved 36 elderly community-dwelling individuals.
- Associations between ELGAM gait parameters and measures of social and physical activity were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Social and physical activity showed associations with specific gait parameters, including head turning while walking and walking speed.
- The observed gait findings align with previous research on larger cohorts and intervention studies.
- These results suggest a link between activity levels and gait characteristics relevant to fall risk.
Conclusions:
- Social and physical activity levels are associated with certain gait parameters in older adults.
- These findings underscore the potential role of promoting social and physical activity within fall prevention strategies for the elderly.
- Further research and intervention studies are warranted to confirm and leverage these associations.