Spatial and temporal gait characteristics in pre-frail community-dwelling older adults.
OBJECTIVE
A number of studies have explored possible relationships, behavior, and meanings of spatial and temporal gait variables in frail and pre-frail older adults, particularly the gait speed variable. However, it is necessary to know the relationship of other spatial and temporal gait variables of pre-frail older adults. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare gait standards between pre-frail and non-frail older people.


METHODS
A total of 69 older adults aged 60 year and older, divided into two groups, non-frail (n = 42) and pre-frail (n = 27), were evaluated. Gait parameters were analyzed using the GAITRite® Platinum 26' Portable Walkway System.


RESULTS
Pre-frail older people had smaller step lengths (P = 0.041), larger base of support (P = 0.040), lower speed (P = 0.019), lower single support percentage (P = 0.033) and higher double support percentage (P = 0.036), compared with non-frail older people. A history of falls was correlated to lower gait speed and step length in pre-frail older adults.


CONCLUSIONS
Identifying pre-frail older people could have significant clinical consequences, as frailty is a dynamic process, and such individuals can therefore progress into a state of frailty or revert to a non-frail state. Therefore, the identification of gait variables in pre-frail older people can be an important tool to recognize gait deficits and to initiate the appropriate treatment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1102-1108.
Laboratory for Evaluation and Recovery of Balance, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor System, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. renatocfjunior@hotmail.com.
Renato Campos
RC
Freire Junior
Laboratory for Evaluation and Recovery of Balance, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor System, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Jaqueline Mello
JM
Porto
Laboratory for Evaluation and Recovery of Balance, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor System, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Natália Camargo
NC
Rodrigues
Laboratory for Evaluation and Recovery of Balance, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor System, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Roberta de Matos
RM
Brunelli
Physiotherapy ambulatory, Boa Esperança do Sul, Brazil.
Luis Felipe Pinto
LF
Braga
Laboratory for Evaluation and Recovery of Balance, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Locomotor System, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Daniela Cristina Carvalho
DC
de Abreu
D000054:Acceleration; D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016330:Frail Elderly; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D018570:Risk Assessment
falls; frailty; gait; older people; rehabilitation medicine/physical therapy