Spatial and temporal gait characteristics in pre-frail community-dwelling older adults

Aim A number of studies have explored possible relationships, behavior, and meanings of spatial and temporal gait variables in frail and pre‐frail older adults, particularly the gait speed variable. However, it is necessary to know the relationship of other spatial and temporal gait variables of pre‐frail older adults. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare gait standards between pre‐frail and non‐frail older people. Methods A total of 69 older adults aged 60 year and older, divided into two groups, non‐frail (n = 42) and pre‐frail (n = 27), were evaluated. Gait parameters were analyzed using the GAITRite® Platinum 26′ Portable Walkway System. Results Pre‐frail older people had smaller step lengths (P = 0.041), larger base of support (P = 0.040), lower speed (P = 0.019), lower single support percentage (P = 0.033) and higher double support percentage (P = 0.036), compared with non‐frail older people. A history of falls was correlated to lower gait speed and step length in pre‐frail older adults. Conclusions Identifying pre‐frail older people could have significant clinical consequences, as frailty is a dynamic process, and such individuals can therefore progress into a state of frailty or revert to a non‐frail state. Therefore, the identification of gait variables in pre‐frail older people can be an important tool to recognize gait deficits and to initiate the appropriate treatment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1102–1108.