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Article: Gait variability in older adults: observational rating validated by comparison with a computerized walkway gold standard.(Research Report)
- Article from:
- Physical Therapy
- Article date:
- October 1, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 American Physical Therapy Association, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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In older adults, gait variability is related to future mobility disability (1) and falls. (2-4) Gait variability also is related to balance, mental and functional status, and limitations of quality of life. (2) A valid measure of gait variability may help clinicians identify older adults at risk for falls and mobility disability. The majority of research studies that have examined the importance of gait variability have used computerized technology-intensive techniques to quantify gait variability. (2,4-7) The 2 main methods used to measure gait variability, foot switches (2) and instrumented walkways, (5) are labor-intensive and require relatively expensive equipment; ...