Gait Characteristics of Adults With Intellectual Disability

Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2018 May;123(3):283-299. doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-123.3.283.

Abstract

Gait is a relevant and complex aspect of motor functioning. Disturbances are related to negative health outcomes. Gait characteristics of 31 adults with intellectual disability (ID) without Down syndrome (DS) (42.77±16.70 years) were investigated, and associations with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and level of ID were assessed. Sex and BMI were significantly associated with some of the gait parameters, while age and level of ID were not. Gait characteristics of adults with ID seem to be comparable to those of the general population of older adults (average 20 years older), except that adults with ID seem to spend less time in stance and double support phase and walk more variable and with a broader base of support.

Keywords: adults; gait; intellectual disability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Gait / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Factors
  • Young Adult