Article

Gait parameters that can be measured with simple instrumentation may hold promise
for identifying individuals at risk of falling. Increased variability of gait is
associated with increased risk of falling, but research on additional parameters
indicates that local dynamic stability (LDS) of gait may also be a predictor of
fall risk. The objective of the present study was to assess the association
between gait variability, LDS of gait and fall history in a large sample of
elderly subjects. Subjects were recruited and tested at a large national fair.
One hundred and thirty four elderly, aged 50-75, who were able to walk without
aids on a treadmill, agreed to participate. After subjects walked on a treadmill,
LDS (higher values indicate more instability) and variability parameters were
calculated from accelerometer signals (trunk worn). Fall history was obtained by
self-report of falls in the past 12 months. Gait variability and short-term LDS
were, individually and combined, positively associated with fall history. In
conclusion, both increased gait variability and increased short-term LDS are
possible risk factors for falling in the elderly.
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Langue : ANGLAIS