Stride dynamics, gait variability and prospective falls risk in active community dwelling older women

Abstract

Background: 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 7min around a continuous walking circuit. Gait data recorded by a GAITRite ® walkway and foot-mounted accelerometers were used to calculate measures of stride dynamics and gait variability. The participant's physical function and balance w..