A population-based study of sensorimotor factors affecting gait in older people.
BACKGROUND
the study of factors associated with age-related gait decline may assist in developing methods to preserve mobility in older people.


OBJECTIVE
to examine the associations between sensorimotor factors relevant to ageing and gait in the general older population.


METHODS
cross-sectional population-based study.


METHODS
participants aged 60-86 years (n = 278) were randomly selected using electoral roll sampling. Sensorimotor factors (quadriceps strength, reaction time, postural sway, proprioception and visual contrast sensitivity) were measured using the Physiological Profile Assessment. Gait variables (speed, cadence, step length, double support phase and step width) were recorded with a GAITRite walkway. Linear regression was used to model relationships between sensorimotor and gait variables.


RESULTS
mean age of participants was 72.4 (7.0) years with 154 (55%) males. Better quadriceps strength, reaction time and postural sway (in men) predicted faster gait speed due to their effects on step length and/or cadence. Body weight (in men) and visual contrast sensitivity (in women) were modifying factors in these relationships. Better postural sway, reaction time (in men) and quadriceps strength (in women) predicted reduced double support phase. Modifying factors were quadriceps strength (in men) and proprioception (in women). Postural sway was the sole predictor of step width and in women only.


CONCLUSIONS
potentially modifiable sensorimotor factors were associated with a range of gait measures, with a different pattern of individual associations and interactions seen between the sexes. These results provide further mechanistic insights towards explaining age-related gait decline in the general older population.
Callisaya
Michele L
ML
Menzies Research Institute, Private Bag 23, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia. michelec@utas.edu.au
Blizzard
Leigh
L
Schmidt
Michael D
MD
McGinley
Jennifer L
JL
Lord
Stephen R
SR
Srikanth
Velandai K
VK
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D011159:Population Surveillance; D004856:Postural Balance; D011434:Proprioception; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000503:physiopathology; D011930:Reaction Time; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013648:Tasmania