Resumen

VERA SANCHEZ, Mayté  y  CAMPILLO MOTILVA, Rita. Evaluación de la marcha y el equilibrio como factor de riesgo en las caídas del anciano. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2003, vol.19, n.5. ISSN 0864-2125.

A descriptive study of 104 older people from a physician´s office of "Mario Escalona Reguera" teaching polyclinics was performed. These aged persons were administered a survey to evaluate several parameters related to gait and balance, with the purpose of determining fall risks according to the variations found. Chi square statistical method for association of variables and the percentage method were used. We found that risk of falling increases with the age as a result of altered gait and balance. Besides, the risk of falling down was more common in females and the most frequent risk factors were the need of using arms to stand up and sit down and a stick to be on one´s feet, gait characterized by separated heels and not raising completely the feet when walking.

Palabras clave : GAIT; EQUILIBRIUM; ACCIDENTAL FALLS, RISK FACTORS; AGED; EPIDEMIOLOGY, DESCRIPTIVE.