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Sensorimotor Factors Affecting Gait Variability in Older People - A Population-Based Study
Citation
Callisaya, M and Blizzard, L and McGinley, JL and Schmidt, MD and Srikanth, VK, Sensorimotor Factors Affecting Gait Variability in Older People - A Population-Based Study, Journals of Gerontology. Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 65, (4) pp. 386-392. ISSN 1079-5006 (2009) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1093/gerona/glp184
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 standard deviation of measurements recorded during six walks. Sensorimotor measures included visual contrast sensitivity, lower limb proprioception, quadriceps strength,reaction time, and body sway (eyes open and closed). Regression analysis was used to determine the relationships between sensorimotor measures and gait variability.
Results. Greater sway on a foam mat (eyes closed) was associated with greater variability in all gait measures ( p < .05). Slower reaction time was associated with greater variability in both temporal gait measures ( p < .05), whereas poorer proprioception was only associated with greater DST variability ( p = .01) and weaker quadriceps strength with greater step time variability. Other sensorimotor factors were not independently associated with gait variability.
Conclusions. Body sway, reaction time, quadriceps strength, and proprioception are likely factors that may explain gait variability in the general older population. Further research is warranted to determine causality of these associations and whether intervention programs addressing these factors may reduce gait variability in older people.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | Gait variability; Sensorimotor; Older adults; Population based |
Research Division: | Medical and Health Sciences |
Research Group: | Clinical Sciences |
Research Field: | Geriatrics and Gerontology |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Specific Population Health (excl. Indigenous Health) |
Objective Field: | Health Related to Ageing |
UTAS Author: | Callisaya, M (Dr Michele Callisaya) |
UTAS Author: | Blizzard, L (Professor Leigh Blizzard) |
UTAS Author: | Schmidt, MD (Dr Michael Schmidt) |
UTAS Author: | Srikanth, VK (Dr Velandai Srikanth) |
ID Code: | 60413 |
Year Published: | 2009 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 38 |
Deposited By: | Menzies Institute for Medical Research |
Deposited On: | 2010-02-03 |
Last Modified: | 2017-04-26 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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