Gait Disorders in the Graying Population

Gait disorders can increase the risk of falls, disability, and mortality in the elderly. Gait dysfunction is also common in individuals with cognitive impairment. The aging effect on walking is less pronounced when clinical and subclinical disease influence on gait is taken into account. In a study of community elders, the most important factors associated with walking speed were leg extensor power, standing balance, and physical activity, regardless of body mass index or gender. This chapter provides a discussion of clinical gait evaluation and classification, quantitative indices of gait, and performance-based measures. Gait disorders can be classified as neurologic or non-neurologic. Within these classifications, the disorder can also fall under different subtypes. Gait disorders develop over time, and repeated examination and history taking is necessary to truly characterize a gait disorder as psychogenic. Finally, the chapter presents case studies that illustrate the major subtypes of gait disorders.