Gait changes

Question 1

what is the main method of assessment of gait?

Answer 1

observe as soon as patient enters room (speed, stride, balance)

ask patient to walk across room turn back- heal toe walk- walk on toes and walk on heels in striafght line, hop in placxe, shallow knee bend, rise from chair and walk,

assess cerebrella function- rombergs, finger-nose pointing, heel to shin testing

Question 2

how does gait alter wiith age

Answer 2

slows modestelky after 7th decade

age related decrease in strenght and balance (—> more falls)

disease has greatses impact on any age related changes

Posture- older poepl walk 5 degree greater toe out , gait velocity falls (short steps)

Limb mvoement - doubtle stance time longer (reduce momenteum, shorter step lenght)

fear of falling (increase doubel stance time