Stride width discriminates gait of side-fallers compared to other-directed fallers during overground walking.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to identify differences in gait characteristics between older fallers with a tendency to fall sideways compared to those who do not fall to the side.

METHOD: The authors conducted a prospective, case control study of ambulatory adults older than 70 residing in retirement communities. Measurements included spatial and temporal gait parameters and prospective fall surveillance.

RESULTS: In all, 29 participants fell to the side, and 64 fell in other directions (forward, backward, straight down); 46 participants experienced no falls. Side-fallers exhibited narrower stride widths compared to other-directed fallers, and stepwise and discriminant analysis correctly classified 67% of side-fallers and other-directed fallers using only stride width.

DISCUSSION: This study suggests that side-fallers, who have narrower stride widths compared to those who fall in other directions, may not be adapting their gait to compensate for lateral instability. More research is needed to determine whether narrow gait contributes to unstable walking patterns.