Walking through aging: A review of gait laboratory-based assessments and geriatric syndromes

Gait is a complex, multifaceted process involving multiple organ systems. Both gait and transfer activities are key requirements for independent living. As individuals age, gait undergoes characteristic changes, including reduced walking speed, altered stride length, and increased variability. These changes are closely linked to the frailty syndromes of immobility, instability, cognitive impairment, incontinence, and iatrogenic harm. Alterations in gait and transfer activities can serve as early predictors of falls, increased dependency, cognitive decline, and depression. Urinary incontinence and nocturia are associated with reduced mobility, a higher risk of falls, and fractures. Notably, the urge to void itself can influence gait patterns. Medications, particularly anticholinergics and polypharmacy, further contribute to gait disturbances, compounding falls risk. Given its strong association with cognitive and functional decline, gait analysis is a crucial component of comprehensive geriatric evaluation. Recognising and addressing gait abnormalities can enhance patient outcomes by mitigating the broader impact on geriatric frailty syndromes.