Gait Disorders in the Elderly

Ageing is not necessarily accompanied by disordered gait for some elderly maintain a normal gait into their 90s. The normal gait consists of a repetitive gait cycle. The major changes in gait are in the reduction in the overall step/stride length and velocity. Neurological and musculoskeletal factors together with physiological changes with ageing contribute to gait changes in the elderly. This chapter provides an overview of gait disorders in the elderly and the common types of gait disorders together with clinical evaluation and management.