Walk small, walk tall: walking through the lifespan

Abstract

Population–based studies of aspects of human motion such as walking are lacking, largely because of unsophisticated measurement tools available for collection of data in the field, or the expense of laboratory-based systems. Recent advances in technology have resulted in the development of new tools that facilitate the collection of many gait variables in large numbers of people in the community. A database of gait variables across the lifespan will provide the means to determine population variability, and to address important issues such as age-related changes in gait and factors contributing to the development of lower limb joint disease.