Course Description:

The motor task of walking is ultimately a product of the characteristics of the individual and their environment. Healthcare professionals must be mindful of all components of gait and strategically integrate appropriate challenges when targeting gait interventions. This is the second in a series of three courses designed to present geriatric gait considerations in a systematic approach. The first course is an overview of the foundations of gait, age-related changes, and postural control. This comprehensive second course delves into the examination of gait and functional mobility in aging adults, equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to assess and address age-related changes in gait patterns and functional limitations. Participants will explore evidence-based functional outcome measures tailored to specific patient populations and healthcare settings. The third course in the series demonstrates evidence-based interventions to improve gait and functional mobility for the aging adult.

Through analysis and comparison, participants will gain a deep understanding of the impact of age-related impairments on falls risk and independence, and the crucial role of outcome measures such as the Berg Balance Scale and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale in identifying at-risk individuals. The course series also delves into the assessment of gait abnormalities and functional limitations in older adults with neurological conditions, examining the applicability of motion analysis systems, wearable sensors, and observational scales.

Environmental factors influencing gait and mobility will be analyzed, and participants will learn to employ measures such as the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale and Short Physical Performance Battery to assess functional mobility in long-term care and assisted living settings. By the end of the course series, participants will be equipped with essential skills to comprehensively examine gait and functional mobility, enabling them to develop tailored interventions and improve the overall quality of care for aging adults.