{"id":1989,"date":"2024-06-12T18:22:38","date_gmt":"2024-06-12T18:22:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo-websitedesigns.com\/david-frost\/v1\/?p=1989"},"modified":"2024-06-13T00:50:47","modified_gmt":"2024-06-13T00:50:47","slug":"functional-gait-assessment-performance-precursor-and-disease-marker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/demo-websitedesigns.com\/david-frost\/v1\/functional-gait-assessment-performance-precursor-and-disease-marker\/","title":{"rendered":"Functional Gait Assessment: Performance Precursor and Disease Marker"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Gait<\/strong>\u00a0can be a four-letter word with unfortunate consequences if one\u2019s stride becomes disorderly or abnormal. Personal trainers who can perform a functional gait assessment will have the advantage of noting the following risk factors:<\/p>\n

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1. Gait assessment is likely to identify subjects at increased risk of falling.<\/p>\n

2. Gait is a marker for otherwise undetected and perhaps treatable disease<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

3. Neurological gait disorders \u2026are associated with recurrent falls, lower cognitive function, depressed mood, and diminished quality of life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Who has the easy gait of an athlete?<\/h3>\n

One\u2019s manner of walking can be effortless, or it can be laborious or even painful.<\/p>\n

Hundreds of muscles and muscle groups, plus major joints and connective tissues and our central nervous system are involved in\u00a0human locomotion.\u00a0<\/a>A professional trainer\u2019s goal is to enhance that athletic locomotion when possible, to improve mobility, ease discomfort, help to prevent falls, and perhaps identify a neurological malady like Ataxia or Parkinson\u2019s Disease (PD).<\/p>\n

This column addresses:<\/p>\n

1. how to gauge a client\u2019s gait,<\/p>\n

2. healthy biomechanics of walking,<\/p>\n

3. notable gait disorders,<\/p>\n

4. stretching, and<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0special<\/a>\u00a0considerations, including those for older clients (with their higher incidence of degenerative conditions in mind and body).<\/p>\n

Gait \u2013 Strike One<\/strong><\/h3>\n

By definition, gait is an individual\u2019s manner of moving on two legs. \u00a0(In contrast to jogging or running, walking\/striding means that one foot is in contact with the ground surface through a full sequence.)<\/p>\n

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\"Gait<\/p>\n

credit Physio-pedia.com<\/p>\n

The illustrative series above shows an initial right heel strike for the stance phase<\/em>\u00a0of a walking stride with the left body side leading. The figure\u2019s arms suggest a natural [opposite body side] swing as the\u00a0swing phase<\/em>\u00a0of a stride is completed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Striding for fitness and health is\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong>Olympian speed-walking, forefoot (toe-strike) sprint actions. Shin splints or other discomforts may result from the initial toe or forefoot strikes, particularly if the older client is heavy in build.<\/p>\n

Healthy Biomechanics<\/h3>\n

A trainer should be aware of these \u201cbest practices\u201d for usual striding \u2013 for effective velocity and efficient injury prevention.<\/p>\n

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  1. Maintain a tall or long spine posture with a \u201cproud\u201d chest\u00a0 \u00a0\u2013\u00a0without\u00a0<\/em>a\u00a0forward head tilt.<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Keep eyes forward \u2013 not scanning upward or downward for too long.<\/li>\n
  3. Breathe deep with diaphragm and optimal lung expansion.<\/li>\n
  4. Relax the shoulder girdle.<\/li>\n
  5. Keep a natural arm swing:\u00a0not the exaggerated hip and arm swing of Olympic speed walking!<\/em><\/li>\n
  6. Use regular stretching and stability exercises to maintain the Lumbo-Pelvic Hip Complex (LPHC) capacity for effective striding.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    *Note:\u00a0<\/em>If a client\u2019s lower or mid-back tightens when walkings, she\/he should make subtle adjustments and pull \u201cbelly button against backbone<\/em>\u201d to properly activate key muscle deep core groups.<\/p>\n

    [sc name=\u201dfunctional\u201d ]<\/p>\n

    Notable Gait Disorders<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Medical and biomechanics details of abnormal or disorderly gaits are beyond the scope of this post. Yet, a trainer should be fully aware (for clients of any age) when physical cues or verbal interactions suggest an issue.<\/h3>\n

    Should an older client exhibit or mention slight imbalance or frustration with gait changes, or perhaps mention recent trips or falls, a formal\u00a0Functional Gait Assessment<\/a>\u00a0(FGA<\/strong>) may be warranted.<\/p>\n

    A trainer may use this practical gait assessment to gauge a client\u2019s fitness performance in ten (10) vital walking measures and contexts:<\/p>\n

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    1. Gait on a level surface (good speed, no bodily imbalance, and\/or minimal deviation from a straight walking path).<\/li>\n
    2. Change in gait speed (The goal is\u00a0no<\/em>\u00a0significant gait impairments or deviations between a client\u2019s normal, fast, and slow speeds.) Of note,\u00a0gait speed<\/a>\u00a0is a reliable indicator of longevity.<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Maintain a gait with horizontal head turns (Proprioception<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or a client\u2019s spatial awareness for factors\u00a03-10\u00a0<\/strong>below.)<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. Maintain a gait with vertical head turns.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    5. The quickness of gait with a safe pivot turn of 180 degrees.<\/span><\/li>\n
    6. Dealing with obstacles in the client\u2019s path.<\/li>\n
    7. Gait with a narrow base of support (Arms crossed, heel to toe strides as if taking a sobriety test.)<\/span><\/li>\n
    8. Forward gait stability with eyes closed.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
    9. Backward gait with eyes open.<\/span><\/li>\n
    10. Walking up and down stairs or steps (without hands-on rails).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Both trainers and clients should appreciate the validated need to get about safely under these ten varied conditions. Helping a client maintain acute proprioception is an implicit goal for trainers that work with aging clients (> 70 years of age).<\/p>\n

      Think fall prevention. Think quality of life.<\/p>\n

      Pre and Post Stretches<\/h3>\n

      \"Worlds<\/p>\n

      A client\u2019s pre-and post-walking stretches are often a matter of preference.<\/p>\n

      Yet, increasing ranges of motion for efficient strides and preventing injury are assured reasons for stretching.<\/p>\n

      It is a good practice for a client to make the first segment (~10 minutes) the slowest for the walk, serving as a\u00a0dynamic<\/em>\u00a0stretch to prevent injury and improve performance.<\/p>\n

      Post-walk\u00a0static<\/em>\u00a0stretches of 20 to 30 seconds per stretch for the lower limb, core and upper body segments are very useful, such as a World\u2019s Greatest Stretch (below):.<\/p>\n

      <\/h3>\n

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      \u00a0Special Considerations<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Common client questions may crop up when walking for stamina, stretching and stability are discussed. \u00a0Three possible topics are:<\/p>\n

      May I use a backpack or fanny pack?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Comfortable and well-fitting packs are encouraged for nature hikes, as first aid items, water, and snacks are appropriate for longer excursions.<\/p>\n

      How about wrist weights?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      One to 5-pound \u201cVelcro\u2019ed\u201d (hook and loop) weights can be used to increase loading for a client\u2019s arms, shoulders, and back.<\/p>\n