Crowther, Robert G., Spinks, Warwick L., Leicht, Anthony S., and Golledge, Jonathan (2009) Regarding "gait variability is altered in patients with peripheral arterial disease". Journal of Vascular Surgery, 50 (4). p. 976.

PDF (Published Version) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only

 

4

Abstract

[Extract] We would like to provide comment on research recently published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery entitled "gait variability is altered in patients with peripheral arterial disease" by Myers et al. The Myers et al (2009) study complements previous work from our group. These studies suggest that patients who have peripheral arterial disease (PAD) display reduced temporal-spatial gait parameters and increased linear movement variability in the lower limbs compared with health, age, and mass matched controls. These gait abnormalities do not improve following a 12-month supervised exercise program despite increases in pain free walking distance.

Myers et al suggest that an increase in movement variability, as assessed via the Lyapunov exponent, indicates increased instability and a potential greater risk of falls in this population. While this conclusion is interesting we would suggest that an increase in movement variability is a gait response to the pending onset of claudication pain and may not reflect a potential for increased fall risk.

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page