Sophie Gillain1, Mohamed Boutaayamou2, Cedric Schwartz3, Nadia Dardenne3, Olivier Bruyère4, Olivier Brüls3, Jean-Louis Croisier3,5, Eric Salmon6, Jean-Yves Reginster7, Gaëtan Garraux3,6, Jean Petermans8. 1. Geriatric Department, Liège University Hospital, C.H.U. site NDB, Route de Gaillarmont, 600, 4032, Chênée, Belgium. sgillain@chuliege.be. 2. INTELSIG Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium. 3. Laboratory of Human Motion Analysis-LAMH, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium. 4. Research Unit in Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium. 5. Science of Motricity Department, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium. 6. Neurology Department and GIGA Cyclotron Research Centre, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium. 7. WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Aspects of Musculoskeletal Health and Ageing, Liège, Belgium. 8. Geriatric Department, Liège University Hospital, C.H.U. site NDB, Route de Gaillarmont, 600, 4032, Chênée, Belgium.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Given the potential consequences of falls among older adults, a major challenge is to identify people at risk before the first event. In this context, gait parameters have been suggested as markers of fall risk. AIM: To examine, among older people, the prospective relationship between gait patterns assessed in comfortable and challenging walking conditions, and future fall(s). METHOD: A total of 105 adults older than 65 years, living independently at home and without a recent fall history were included in a 2-year, longitudinal, observational study. All underwent physical and functional assessment. Gait speed, stride length, frequency, symmetry and regularity and Minimum Toe Clearance (MTC) were recorded in comfortable (CW), fast (FW) and dual task walking (DTW) conditions. Gait parameter changes occurring between CW and FW and between CW and DTW were calculated and expressed in percent. DTW cost was calculated as the change of DTW relative to CW. Fall events were recorded using fall diaries. Comparisons according to fall occurrence were performed by means of univariate analysis and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Two-year follow-up was available for 96 participants, of whom 35 (36.5%) fell at least once. Comparative analysis showed that future fallers had shorter FW stride length and higher symmetry DTW cost than non-fallers (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that each additional percent of stride symmetry cost was associated with an increase in future fall risk (odds ratio 1.018, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.002-1.033; p = 0.027). DISCUSSION: Our results confirm the association between a symmetry decrease in DTW and future fall(s). Indeed in this study, the mean symmetry DTW cost in fallers is almost 20% higher than in non-fallers, meaning a fall risk that is around 36% higher than among non-fallers. CONCLUSION: This exploratory study shows the usefulness of considering gait parameters, particularly symmetry in challenging walking conditions, for early identification of future fallers.
BACKGROUND: Given the potential consequences of falls among older adults, a major challenge is to identify people at risk before the first event. In this context, gait parameters have been suggested as markers of fall risk. AIM: To examine, among older people, the prospective relationship between gait patterns assessed in comfortable and challenging walking conditions, and future fall(s). METHOD: A total of 105 adults older than 65 years, living independently at home and without a recent fall history were included in a 2-year, longitudinal, observational study. All underwent physical and functional assessment. Gait speed, stride length, frequency, symmetry and regularity and Minimum Toe Clearance (MTC) were recorded in comfortable (CW), fast (FW) and dual task walking (DTW) conditions. Gait parameter changes occurring between CW and FW and between CW and DTW were calculated and expressed in percent. DTW cost was calculated as the change of DTW relative to CW. Fall events were recorded using fall diaries. Comparisons according to fall occurrence were performed by means of univariate analysis and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Two-year follow-up was available for 96 participants, of whom 35 (36.5%) fell at least once. Comparative analysis showed that future fallers had shorter FW stride length and higher symmetry DTW cost than non-fallers (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that each additional percent of stride symmetry cost was associated with an increase in future fall risk (odds ratio 1.018, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.002-1.033; p = 0.027). DISCUSSION: Our results confirm the association between a symmetry decrease in DTW and future fall(s). Indeed in this study, the mean symmetry DTW cost in fallers is almost 20% higher than in non-fallers, meaning a fall risk that is around 36% higher than among non-fallers. CONCLUSION: This exploratory study shows the usefulness of considering gait parameters, particularly symmetry in challenging walking conditions, for early identification of future fallers.
Entities:
Keywords:
Dual task; Fall risk; Gait symmetry; Older people; Prospective study