Turkish Journal of Geriatrics 2001 , Vol 4, Issue 1
GAIT KINEMATICS IN ELDERLY
C. Burak ERDOĞMUŞ, Şansın TÜZÜN
Viyana Tıp Fakültesi, Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dalı, Avusturya
İstanbul Üniversitesi Cerrahpaşa Tıp Fakültesi, Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dalı, İstanbul
Gait disorders in the elderly are the major cause of falls and accidents. Those disorders are also a factor that negatively affect the quality of life and psychosocial situation. The prevalence of gait disorders increases with aging. Gait changes may occur as a part of the natural process of aging or may be associated with underlying pathology. The basic reasons of the gait kinematic disorders are recession of muscle strength, muscle atrophy, degenerative joint disorders, neuromuscular coordination problems, vizüel impairments and postural disturbances. The gait in elderly can be also effected from synergy dysfunction and central nervous system problems. Sixty-two years coincided with an accelerated decline in speed of walking. The special rehabilitation methods has a positive effect in correcting gait disorders. Lower extremity muscle strength, endurance, balance, bone mineralization and cardiopulmoner performance of the patient increase at the end of this special rehabilitation. The aim of this rewiev is to discuss the changes of gait kinematic with aging. Keywords : Elderly, Gait, Kinematic, Gait Analysis