Gait and balance
The "Get Up and Go" Test for Gait Assessment in Elderly Patients (To begin, have the patient sit in a straight-backed high-seat chair).
Instruction for the patient:
- Get up (without use of armrests, if possible)
- Stand still momentarily
- Walk forward 10ft (3 m)
- Turn around and walk back to chair
- Turn and be seated
Factors to note:
- Sitting balance
- Transfers from sitting to standing
- Pace and stability of walking
- Ability to turn without staggering
- Gait Clip 2
Gait apraxia (1)
When attempting to walk, the patient appears to be glued to the floor. (Contributed by Dr. J. Jankovic)
- Gait Clip 3
Gait apraxia (2)
Gait is short-stepped, broad-based, and stiff; turning is "en bloc"; several steps are needed to execute the turn; arm-swings are diminished. There is no evidence of ataxia or parkinsonism. (Courtesy of Dr. Sid Gilman)
- Gait Clip 4
Gait apraxia (3)
This patient with corticobasal degeneration is unable to start walking on command. (Contributed by Dr. J. Jankovic)
- Gait Clip 5
Parkinsonian freezing
The rhythm of spontaneous gait is interrupted and the patient comes to a halt. Gait resumes when the patient attempts to step over an obstacle. (Contributed by Dr. J. Jankovic)
- Gait Clip 6
Parkinsonian gait
(Contributed by Dr. J. Jankovic)
- Gait Clip 7
Spastic gait
Gait is impaired by severe scissoring due to spasticity of the adductor muscles. (Courtesy of Dr. Sid Gilman)
- Gait Clip 8
Steppage gait
This patient displays bilateral foot-drop in polyneuropathy. Legs are lifted high for the toes to clear the floor. (Courtesy of Dr. Sid Gilman)
- Gait Clip 9
Tabetic gait (sensory gait)
In tabes dorsalis, knees are hyperextended due to severe proprioceptive impairment. The posture is stooped due to need to directly observe the position of the feet. Slapping the floor with the feet provides auditory feedback on position of feet. Sensory ataxia causes uncoordinated gait. (Courtesy of Dr. Sid Gilman)
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The University of Kansas Medical Center