Sensorimotor factors affecting gait variability in older people-a population-based study

Abstract

Background. Intra-individual gait variability predicts falls and disability in older people. Knowledge of factors that contribute to gait variability may lead to interventions aimed at reducing decline in mobility and falls risk. The aim of this population-based study was to examine whether poorer performance on a range of sensorimotor measures was associated with greater gait variability. Methods Individuals aged 60-86 years (n = 412) were randomly selected from the Southern Tasmanian electoral roll. Spatial (step length and step width) and temporal (step time and double support time [DST]) gait measures were recorded with a GAITRite walkway. Variability for each gait measure was the standa..