Exercise to Improve Gait

Your gait pattern is the way that you walk or run. Some people have difficulty walking because of traumatic injuries, disease or aging. They might need to walk with the aid of a device such as a cane or walker and might be unable to walk long distances. Exercise is a viable tool for improving gait. The best exercises for improving your gait depend on your area of weakness and may focus on improving strength, coordination, stability and stride length. A qualified physical therapist or personal trainer can assess your weaknesses and choose the best exercises for you.

Resistance Training

Gait deficiencies can occur because of weak muscles. Weakness might occur because of poor nervous system control of a muscle, lack of sufficient muscle mass or inefficient muscle activity. Resistance training can help correct weaknesses by inducing healthy adaptations of the nervous and muscular systems. It can also improve joint stability, aid in improving balance and improve muscular endurance so you can walk farther.

Coordination

Coordination originates in your central nervous system, where you brain selects a motor program and sends it to the rest of your body. People who can contract all of their muscles correctly still might not be able to execute basic movements, making their gait choppy or prevent walking altogether. Coordination exercises for gait can be as basic as working on standing or as complex as performing high-speed agility exercises. Coordination exercises generally focus on performing more than one task at once. For example, moving your opposite arm and leg together necessary during walking and may be a focus of coordination exercises. Another focus is using the upper body and lower body at the same time. Exercises may be performed lying down or upright. Agility drills using cones and ladders are helpful for building upright coordination.

Hip Flexibility

Your flexibility affects your stride length, which is the distance between each of your feet as they hit the ground. You might have a short stride if you have tight hips and hip flexors, as is common with people who sit a lot. Stretching your hip flexors can allow your hip joints to move correctly. Lunge stretches are a simple way to stretch your hip flexors on your own, but you might get better results with the help of a partner.

Considerations

Gait training exercises are best performed under the supervision of a professional. Adults who have difficulty walking are at risk for falling during exercise, so ensure that the exercise area is free of obstacles and a spotter is used.