Comparison of gait parameters between elderly women with and without balance impairment during walking over obstacle

Abstract

Objective: To compare gait parameters between elderly women with and without balance impairment during walking on level surface, and walking and stepping over obstacle.

Methods: The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used as a criterion to assign subjects into the balance-impaired group (BBS scale £ 45 points, n=15) and the non-balance-impaired group (BBS scale > 45 points, n=15). Participants were tested on three walking conditions including walking on level surface, and walking and step- ping over the low and high obstacles (10% and 30% of individual leg length) with their self-selected walking speed. Two-dimensional (2D) motion analysis system was used to measure all gait parameters. Gait parameters of level walking included walking speed, step length and toe-floor clearance from the floor. Gait parameters of crossing step included crossing speed, crossing step length, leading and trailing limb elevations and pre- and post-obstacle distances.

Results: The balance-impaired group displayed significant reduced gait parameters during walking on level surface and both obstacle tasks than the non-balance-impaired group.

Conclusions: The balance-impaired group seemed to use a conservative or cautious strategy during walking on level surface and obstacle tasks for maintaining body stability and safety than the non-balance-impaired group.   Bull Chiang Mai Assoc Med Sci 2010; 43: 39-50.