What Makes Regular Gait Analysis Essential for Older Adults?

What Makes Regular Gait Analysis Essential for Older Adults?

As people age, natural changes in walking patterns occur, while some aspects remain unchanged. These changes are important indicators of overall health and can sometimes point to specific medical conditions.

Changes in Walking Speed

Walking speed remains stable until around the age of 70, after which it decreases by about 15% during normal walking and 20% during fast walking per decade. After the age of 75, individuals who walk slowly tend to die ≥6 years earlier than those who walk at a normal speed and ≥10 years earlier than those who walk quickly. This decline is often associated with a reduction in stride length caused by weakened calf muscles. However, older adults compensate for this by relying more on their hip muscles.

 

Stability and Double Support

The time spent in double support—the moment when both feet are on the ground at the same time—increases with age, providing greater stability. The percentage of time spent in double support ranges from 18% in young adults to ≥26% in healthy older adults. However, the time spent in swing phase decreases, leading to a shorter stride length.

 

Posture and Cadence
Posture changes only slightly. A more pronounced forward pelvic rotation and increased lumbar lordosis are noticeable. Cadence, or step frequency, remains constant, as it primarily depends on leg length.

 

Gait Abnormalities and Their Causes

Neurological and Musculoskeletal Causes
Common neurological disorders that affect gait include dementia, motor and cerebellar disorders, and sensory or motor neuropathies. Studies show that reduced smoothness in gait is often associated with cognitive impairments.

 

Typical Abnormalities

• Loss of symmetry: Common in unilateral neurological or musculoskeletal disorders.
• Variable cadence, stride length, or step width: Indicates a motor control disorder of gait due to cerebellar or frontal lobe syndromes.
• Freezing gait: Can occur in Parkinson’s disease or due to fear of falling.
• Backward falling when initiating gait or walking: Can occur in patients with frontal gait disorders, Parkinsonism, central nervous system syphilis, and progressive supranuclear palsy.
• Shortened stride length: Common in patients with Parkinsonism.
• Wide-based gait (increased step width): Often seen in cerebellar disorders or osteoarthritis.
• Forward lean and festination: Typical for Parkinson’s patients.

 

Importance of Gait
Gait is a sensitive marker for the health of older adults. Abnormalities can indicate specific diseases and should be detected early by healthcare professionals.

 

Conclusion
Changes in gait with age are normal, but they can be exacerbated or modified by diseases. Observing and interpreting gait patterns carefully helps identify potential health issues early and allows for targeted treatment.

 

STAPPONE allows misalignment in gait analysis to be quickly, easily, and objectively visualized. This not only helps detect issues early but also increases patient compliance. With visual live biofeedback, patients can better understand where the pressure error lies and correct it autonomously. The progress tracking enabled by the reports from STAPPONE products provides objective insights and further motivation.

STAPPONE products offer valuable support for patients, doctors, and therapists in faster rehabilitation, objective diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment. Do you have questions about the product? Contact us – we are happy to assist you

 

________________________

Gait disorders in older people

By Richard G. Stefanacci, DO, MGH, MBA, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Population Health;

Jayne R. Wilkinson, MD, MSCE, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine Oct.2023.