Advice on Gait (Walking)

This involves striking the ground with your heel fi rst, then rolling through your heel to your toe, and pushing out of the step with your toe. [...] Avoid fl at-footed steps or striking the ground with your toes fi rst. Heel strike/toe off allows for toe clearance, reducing the risk of trips, slips and falls. Turning Ensure you pick your feet up when turning and do not swivel on one foot. [...] The video includes a demonstration of exercises, gait and how to get up off the fl oor after a fall. [...] An unsteady gait can increase your risk for falls and injury, this information aims to help you understand what can be done to correct your technique and reduce the risk of a fall. [...] Imagine your head being pulled up gently by an invisible piece of string that’s attached to the ceiling. [...] As you w and fort your arm elbows. • Don’t • Don’t them your Weight transfer The ability to safely move your weight from one side of the body to the other. [...] Taking small steps increases the risk of falls and has been associated with reduced ability to undertake activities of daily living. [...] Base of support The feet provide a base of support for the body and having a good solid base goes a long way to helping us maintain a good alignment. [...] Having a hip width base of support allows you to feel balanced. [...] The closer your legs are together, the narrower your base of support is and the harder it is to remain balanced.