Gait characteristics as risk factors for falling from trips induced in older adults

Background. Falls are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in ol der adults, with up to 53% of these falls due to tripping. To aid in preven ting trip-related falls, the factors that increase an individual's risk of falling following a trip must be identified. This study investigated whethe r an older adult's gait influences their risk of falling following a trip. Methods. Trips were induced during gait in 79 healthy, safety-harnessed, co mmunity-dwelling older adults using a concealed, mechanical obstacle. Assoc iations between selected gait kinematic characteristics, recorded during no rmal walking, and the likelihood of falling following the trip were determi ned using logistic regression. Results. Older adults who walked faster, took more rapid steps, or took lon ger steps relative to their body height had a significantly increased likel ihood of falling following the trip. Step width, average trunk flexion duri ng gait, acid the phase of gait in which the trip occurred did not affect t he likelihood of falling. A multivariable logistic regression model correct ly classified 89.8% of trip outcomes based on two gait characteristics: ste p Lime and step length. As predicted from their gait characteristics, the s ubjects. as a group, had a low likelihood of falling following a trip, bur selected individuals had a high likelihood of falling. Conclusions. The incidence of trip-related falls in healthy older adults is determined primarily by the frequency of tripping and not the ability to r ecover from a trip. Older adults can reduce their likelihood of falling fol lowing a trip by not hurrying while walking.