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Can Chiropractic Help Improve Gait In Elderly?

Introduction

Gait is the process by which a movement occurs through periods of unloading and loading of our limbs. Gait includes all forms of locomotion; running, hopping, skipping, and cycling. However, walking is the most used form of gait. It provides us with independence for many of our activities of daily living. A normal gait requires the body to co-ordinate with other organs such as our ears, eyes, brain, muscles, and sensory nerves. When one of these areas is lacking, difficulty in performing a normal gait may arise.

There is a variety of research concerning traumatic injuries in the elderly population. Ages range from 55 – 80 years of age. A leading cause of injury in the geriatric population is falling.

 

Gait and the elderly population

According to the New Zealand ACC statistics in 2016, there were 138 304  new claims in people aged 65 years and older. As a result, consequences from these falls may lead to restrictions in their activities of daily living. And finally a loss of independence.

Common symptoms associated with gait are difficulty walking, trouble with balance, and unsteadiness. These gait and balance problems can come temporarily through trauma, injury, inflammation, and pain.

A fall is a common cause of injury in the elderly

 

According to recent research, fall risks are a concern for morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Falls play a very significant role in the causes of death, injury, and loss of quality of life. Falls account for more than 80% of injury-related hospital expenses in adults over 65 years old. As a result, every year, one-third of the community elderly’s have more than one fall. Falls happen when an individual is unable to maintain the center of gravity within the base of support provided by their feet.

The research has identified many risk factors that increase the risk of falls in elderly patients. These risk factors include age, lower limb disorders, and balance disorders. If there is a combination of these risks present, the chance of falling may increase to up to 80% per year.

 

How can chiropractic help?

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on improving neuromuscular dysfunction. Chiropractors look after the nervous system and the spine by correcting Vertebral Subluxations.

Vertebral Subluxation is described as an interference with the normal function of the nervous system. These vertebral subluxations can come from any aspect of an individual’s life such as stress, trauma, or chemical imbalances. They are the underlying causes of many health problems including gait and balance. A vertebral subluxation is defined as a joint in the spine that is not moving correctly, and that is negatively impacting health and well-being.

Research has shown that an adjustment to the spine increases joint function and contraction of muscles around the area. It gives strength and stability to the spine. Ultimately chiropractic adjustments can help the elderly be less prone to injury due to falls.

 

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