Article

Measures of walking instability such as stride dynamics and gait
variability have been shown to identify future fallers in older adult populations
with gait limitations or mobility disorders. This study investigated whether
measures of walking instability can predict future fallers (over a prospective 12
month period) in a group of healthy and active older women. METHODS: Ninety-seven
healthy active women aged between 55 and 90 years walked for 7 min around a
continuous walking circuit. Gait data recorded by a GAITRite((R)) walkway and
foot-mounted accelerometers were used to calculate measures of stride dynamics
and gait variability. The participant's physical function and balance were
assessed. Fall incidence was monitored over the following 12 months. RESULTS:
Inter-limb differences (p</=0.04) in stride dynamics were found for fallers (one
or more falls) aged over 70 years, and multiple fallers (two or more falls) aged
over 55 years, but not in non-fallers or a combined group of single and
non-fallers. No group differences were found in the measures of physical
function, balance or gait, including variability. Additionally, no gait variable
predicted falls. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced coordination of inter-limb dynamics was
found in active healthy older fallers and multiple fallers despite no difference
in other measures of intrinsic falls risk. Evaluating inter-limb dynamics may be
a clinically sensitive technique to detect early gait instability and falls risk
in high functioning older adults, prior to change in other measures of physical
function, balance and gait.
CI - Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS