NATURAL ADULT WOMEN GAIT VARIABILITY: CADENCE AND STEP WIDTH PREDICTORS OF PREMATURE RISK OF FALLS

摘要

Aim: Gait variability is associated with future risk of falling. It’s a gait instability indirect measure and its natural changes over years are not described in the literature. The aim was to describe and identify the age group of healthy women classified as: youngest, adult and older adults, which can predict early falls, through gait variability analysis. Methods: Cross-sectional study performed with 45 Brazilian women (20–67 years) at gait lab from Goias University, Brazil. Fifteen reflective markers were attached to specific anatomical landmarks on their lower limbs and they walked on an 8-meter way. Six infrared cameras and Peak Motus8.1® software were used. Coefficient of variability was applied to ten gait cycles for: step and stride length step; stride, stance and swing period; single and double support; stride width; all with right and left sides, as well as cadence and gait speed. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between youngsters and older adults for cadence (p = 0.003) as well as between adults and older adults for cadence (p = 0.003), right step width (p = 0.01) and left step width (p <0.001). Linear regression demonstrated that, after a period of three years, there is an increase of one unit in cadence variability and after four years, for right and left stride width, which influences accidental falls risk. Conclusions: Cadence and stride width variability showed increased risk of falls from 30 years of age. Implementation of prevention programs for young women not considered at risk is suggested.