Gait changes in Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) not only impair breathing but also significantly impact how we move. Studies have reported several gait changes in respiratory disorders like COPD, such as slower walking speeds, shorter stride lengths, and reduced stability.

These changes result from a combination of factors, including muscle weakness, oxygen deprivation, and the increased effort required for breathing. By understanding the interplay between respiratory health and gait, we can better address the mobility challenges faced by patients and develop effective rehabilitation strategies to improve their overall well-being.

Reasons for gait changes in COPD

Reduced Ventilation – Hyperinflation – Incomplete Lung Emptying – Constraints on Tidal Volume – Dyspnoea.
Level of Dyspnoea is correlated with intensity of physical activity.

Temporal gait changes in respiratory disorders

Gait Deviations	Causes/Rationale	Consequences
Reduced walking speed	Reduced muscle strength Loss of physical activity Loss of conditioning Muscle wasting
Increased double support time	To maintain stability To reduce risk of fall
Increased cadence	Energy conservation to cope with reduced oxygen supply	Increased risk of fall

Spatial gait changes in respiratory disorders

Gait Deviations	Causes/Rationale	Consequences
Reduced step width	Fatigue	Can cause instability due to smaller base of support
Variability in step length	Some subjects show increased while some show decreased step length depending on compensatory mechanism	Fatigue of tibialis anterior in case of increased step length
Increased medio – lateral variability	To compensate for balance disturbances

Kinetic gait changes in respiratory disorders

Gait Deviations	Causes/Rationale	Consequences
Reduced walking intensity	Energy Conservation
Reduced peak dorsiflexion moment during early stance phases	Fatigue
Increased peak ankle power absorption in mid-stance	Tibialis Anterior weakness	Problems in controlling foot after heel strike

We’re happy to inform you that GaitON software also has an inbuilt Gait Analysis module which is now used by 500+ centers globally to assess gait changes in patients with respiratory disorders. It provides patient-friendly reports with reference values, automatic notes, pre-post analysis, excel export options and many more!

Reach out to us today to learn more about the GaitON software and set up your own Gait Lab!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

GAYATRI SURESH (PT)

Gayatri Suresh (PT) is a Biomechanist who has completed her B.P.Th from DES College of Physiotherapy and M.P.T (Biomechanics) from SRM College of Physiotherapy, SRMIST. Her field of clinical expertise is in movement assessments through video analysis. Apart from her work at Auptimo, she works as a Clinical Specialist at Rehabilitation Research and Device Development, IIT Madras. She has won gold medals for her Research presentations and for securing First rank with distinction in her MPT degree respectively.

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The information found within this site is for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice from a licensed Physiotherapist. Any application of exercises and diagnostic tests suggested is at the reader’s sole discretion and risk.