Gait of adults with intellectual disabilities, and its association with physical fitness and falls

Background: We assessed the gait characteristics of adults with ID, and the association of these characteristics with physical fitness and falls.

Method: Gait characteristics of 31 adults with mild to moderate ID (42.77 ± 16.70 years) were assessed with the GAITRite at comfortable speed (CS), fast speed (FS), and while dual tasking (DT). Fitness was assessed (body composition, muscular endurance, strength, balance, Short Physical Performance Battery) and falls were collected over a three-month follow-up period.

Results: Gait characteristics of adults with ID were comparable to those seen in the general older population of on average 20 years older. Adults with ID did have a broader base of support and more variable gait. Gait at CS was associated with body composition, gait at FS with the other fitness components. Dual tasking affected gait. This was not predictive for falls, although medium effect sizes were found (0.31–0.48).

Conclusion: The finding that fitness seems to be more important for gait at more challenging conditions and that dual tasking affects gait, is important for safe community participation. This must be considered while interacting with adults with ID during daily activities. More research is needed to better understand the relationship between gait, fitness and falls.