Gait parameters when walking with or without rollator on different surface characteristics - a pilot study among healthy individuals

Abstract

Objectives: Gait parameters can measure risks of falling and mortality and identify early stages of frailty. The use of walking aid changes gait parameters. To identify what a dysfunctional gait is, one must be able to define what a normal gait is both with and without a walking aid. The aim of this study was to describe differences in gait parameters among healthy adults when walking on different surfaces and under different conditions, with and without a rollator. Results: Ten healthy participants walked first without and then with a rollator upslope, downslope and on flat surface, on bitumen and gravel respectively. Step length, walking speed and sideway deviation was measured using an inertial measurement unit. Walking up a slope using a rollator generated the longest step length and walking down a slope using a rollator the shortest. Fastest walking speed was used when walking up a slope with rollator and slowest when walking down a slope with rollator. Sideway deviation was highest when walking down a slope and lowest when walking on gravel, both without rollator. Data from this study provides valuable knowledge regarding gait parameters among healthy individuals, useful for future clinical research relevant for rehabilitation and public health.