Evaluation of gait and slip parameters for adults with intellectual disability

Adults with intellectual disability (ID) experience more falls than their non-disabled peers. A gait analysis was conducted to quantify normal walking, and an additional slip trial was performed to measure slip response characteristics for adults with ID as well as a group of age- and gender-matched controls. Variables relating to gait pattern, slip propensity, and slip severity were assessed to compare the differences between groups. The ID group was found to have significantly slower walking speed, shorter step lengths, and increased knee flexion angles at heel contact. These gait characteristics are known to reduce the likelihood of slip initiation in adults without ID. Despite a more cautious gait pattern, however, the ID group exhibited greater slip distances indicating greater slip severity. This study suggests that falls in this population may be due to deficient slip detection or insufficient recovery response.