Analysis of the usual gait variability in the elderly above and below 80 years

Abstract

Gait variability has been used as a predictor of falls between elderly. This way is important observe the relationship between increase of gait variability and history of falls, because, per year, one third of elderly population falls, and these falls can have a strong impact on health and independence of elderly. So, this study has the objective compare the gait variability with the history of falls and functional performance between elderly below and above 80 years old. The elderly will be separated in two grups: Young Adult Group (60 - 79 year, n=38) and Very Old Group (above 80 years, n=38). Both groups will undergo evaluation, that include Anamnesis and Fall History Questionnaire, Lawton & Brody scale and gait assessments at usual speed, chosen by the elderly, through the equipment GAITRite Platinum 26' Portable Walkway System, where will be realized three trials and the mean and standard deviation will be registered. All statistical analysis will be done using the program SPSS (SPSS for Windows - Version 16.0 - SPSS inc,) and will be adopted significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). The results will be expressed as mean and standard deviation of variability of step length and velocity. (AU)