Factors that influence gait adjustments in active and sedentary older
adults were examined in this study. Fifty-five older adults (60-85 yea
rs) completed a series of physical activity and self-efficacy measures
(gait, falls) and the Berg Balance Scale (K. a Berg, S. L. Wood-Dauph
inee, J. I. Williams, & B. Maki, 1992). Participants then completed a
series of walking trials that included walking with and without obstac
les placed in their path. Sedentary older adults adopted a more cautio
us walking style than active ones, exhibiting shorter step lengths and
slower step velocities. Age, physical activity level, balance, and th
e efficacy measures were all found to be significantly correlated with
gait speed. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that once age,
sex, and body mass index were controlled for, gait efficacy had a sig
nificant independent effect on gait speed. These results highlight the
importance of examining multiple factors when examining the control o
f gait.