[Subjective Gait Stability in the Elderly]

Z Gerontol Geriatr. 2019 Feb;52(1):17-22. doi: 10.1007/s00391-017-1288-1. Epub 2017 Jul 10.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Background: It can be assumed that the feeling of gait stability or gait instability in the elderly may be independent of a possible fear of falling or a history of falling when walking. Up to now, there has been a lack of spatiotemporal gait parameters for older people who subjectively feel secure when walking.

Objective: The aim of the study is to analyse the distribution of various gait parameters for older people who subjectively feel secure when walking.

Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study, the gait parameters stride time, step time, stride length, step length, double support, single support, and walking speed were measured using a Vicon three-dimensional motion capture system (Plug-In Gait Lower-Body Marker Set) in 31 healthy people aged 65 years and older (mean age 72 ± 3.54 years) who subjectively feel secure when walking.

Results: There was a homogeneous distribution in the gait parameters examined, with no abnormalities. The mean values have a low variance with narrow confidence intervals.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence that people who subjectively feel secure when walking demonstrate similarly objective gait parameters..

Keywords: Aged; Cross-sectional studies; Gait; Physical Examination; Walking.

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls* / prevention & control
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic*
  • Gait*
  • Humans
  • Walking