Baumann J U
Labor für Bewegungsuntersuchungen, Felix Platter-Spital, Basel.
Orthopade. 1994 Feb;23(1):6-9.
Age-associated changes in gait produce a decrease in walking velocity, predominantly caused by a reduction in the length of the step and to a lesser degree in cadence. The length of the step becomes shorter because of impaired balance, diminished muscle strength and muscle contractures that decrease the joint range of motion. Impairment of the quality of their gait is a major risk factor for falls in the elderly with subsequent minor or major injuries. Age-related changes in gait of elderly people must be taken into account when planning orthopedic surgical procedures and applying orthopedic devices such as orthoses and lower extremity prostheses. Exercise programs to maintain and improve muscle strength, equilibrium reactions as well as neuromotor coordination have proved effective in postponing and correcting age-related gait instability and in increasing walking velocity as well as mobility in daily life.
与年龄相关的步态变化会导致步行速度下降，主要原因是步长缩短，而步频下降的程度较小。由于平衡能力受损、肌肉力量减弱以及肌肉挛缩导致关节活动范围减小，步长会变得更短。步态质量受损是老年人跌倒的主要危险因素，随后可能会造成轻伤或重伤。在规划骨科手术程序以及应用矫形器械（如矫形器和下肢假肢）时，必须考虑老年人与年龄相关的步态变化。事实证明，通过锻炼计划来维持和提高肌肉力量、平衡反应以及神经运动协调性，对于延缓和纠正与年龄相关的步态不稳、提高步行速度以及日常生活中的活动能力是有效的。
