Idiopathic gait disorders of the elderly

Changes in mobility are a frequent concomitant of ageing. In a proportion of those presenting with mobility problems no specific diagnosis can be made, and these individuals are stated to be suffering from idiopathic gait disorder of the elderly (IGDE). In order to better describe this entity we examined 15 non-impaired individuals (mean age 77.8 years) and contrasted them to 14 individuals (mean age 80.2 years) suffering from IGDE. Evaluation included detailed physical examination including sensory evaluation, strength testing, upper extremity dexterity testing, and formal gait analysis. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the physical examination, strength testing, or upper extremity function. Both groups were equivalently able to learn a new neuromuscular task involving their upper extremities. There were significant differences with regard to gait parameters between the two groups - IGDE subjects were significantly slower, had a shorter stride, and spent more time in double support. From our study we conclude that: (1) IGDE disproportionately affects lower extremity function with relative sparing of upper extremity function, and (2) IGDE subjects appear to have adequate sensory input, muscle strength, and are able to learn new neuromuscular tasks suggesting that this disorder would be remediable to appropriate therapy.