Changes in gait cited previously as risk factors for falling, i.e., decreased stride length and speed and prolonged double support, may in fact be stabilizing adaptations related to fear of falling. Stride-to-stride variability in the control of gait is an independent predictor of falling and may be a useful measure for identifying high-risk individuals and evaluating preventive interventions. Stride width may also be a useful outcome measure. Contrary to common expectation, a wider stride does not necessarily increase stability but instead seems to predict an increased likelihood of experiencing falls.

The results suggest that control of lateral stability may be an important area for fall-preventative intervention. The ability of a simple and safe force-plate measure of spontaneous postural sway to predict future falling risk suggests a possible clinical application as a preliminary screening tool for risk of falling.

No abstract