Managing gait disorders in older persons residing in nursing homes: a review of literature.
Managing gait disorders in the nursing home setting is a challenge. Nursing home residents can present with a variety of factors that may contribute to the presentation of gait abnormalities. The development of an individualized intervention program can be effective in improving a resident's ability to ambulate. This article reviews the research pertaining to the management of gait disorders including deconditioning, therapeutic exercise intervention, dementia, and cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary systems. The review provides the reader with strategies to help improve and understand gait performance in older persons residing in nursing homes.
Department of Physical Therapy, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02113, USA. pkc@earthlink.net
Paul K
PK
Canavan
Lawrence P
LP
Cahalin
Susan
S
Lowe
Diane
D
Fitzpatrick
Meredith
M
Harris
Prudence
P
Plummer-D'Amato
D000368:Aged; D018493:Cardiovascular Deconditioning / Q000502:physiology; D003704:Dementia / Q000503:physiopathology; D004244:Dizziness / Q000503:physiopathology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005221:Fatigue / Q000503:physiopathology; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D012656:Self-Help Devices