TANDEM WALK (TW)
Description
TW Report
Functional Implications
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Description
The TW quantifies characteristics of gait as the patient walks heel to toe from one end of the forceplate to the other. Measured parameters are step width, speed, and endpoint sway velocity.
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TW Comprehensive Report
- The COG trace for each trial is shown on the left side of the report.
- Step Width is the lateral distance in centimeters between the left and right feet on successive steps.
- The Speed is the velocity in centimeters per second of the forward progression.
- The End Sway is the velocity in degrees per second of the anterior/posterior component of COG sway for 5 seconds beginning when the patient terminates walking.
- The shaded area on each graphic represents performance outside of the normative data range. Green bars indicate performance within the normal range; red bars indicate performance outside the normal range. A numerical value is given at the top of each bar.
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Functional Implications
Tandem gait is a high demand activity requiring careful control of both COG movement (head, trunk, pelvis) and the successive re-establishment of a stable, narrow base of support. Compared to normal gait, the tandem walk test tends to be more specific to impairments affecting balance.
Patients with COG control problems often compensate by increasing their step width and broadening their base of support to make balancing easier. Slower gait speeds have been shown to correlate with frailty, functional loss, and fall risk in the elderly. Inability to walk quickly may be caused by strength or range of motion impairments, or movement disorders. Self-restriction in speed may be due to sensory loss, fear of falling, or avoidance. Excessive end sway can be a measure of muscular strength and volitional control.
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