Knowledge Center

Mobility

Clinical center for tools related to gait, fall risk, functional capacity and environmental safety.

Slow gait Imbalance Falls Weakness

Updated on: Aug 17, 2026

2 assessments

Overview

Gait, balance, falls, strength and autonomy.

Clinical relevance

Preserved mobility reduces the risk of dependency, falls and loss of autonomy. Recognizing signs such as slow gait, imbalance or recent falls helps decide when to seek functional assessment.

Signs and symptoms

  • Recent falls.
  • Fear of falling.
  • Difficulty standing or walking.
  • Increasing use of mobility support.

Related conditions

Fall risk Sarcopenia Frailty
Assessments

Clinical assessments

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Available

Fall Risk

Educational screening of factors associated with falls.

Purpose: Identify factors associated with falls.

Interpretation: Increased risk suggests preventive measures and assessment.

Start assessment
Available

SARC-F

Initial screening for loss of strength and muscle function.

Purpose: Identify signs of muscle loss that impact mobility.

Interpretation: A high score suggests professional assessment.

Start assessment

Guides

Available

Older adult functional screening guide

Functional screening guide that includes gait, balance and fall risk.

Open resource

Protocols

Available

Fall prevention protocol

Educational flow with risk factors, environment, medicines and referral.

Open resource
Articles

Related articles

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FAQ

Yes. Even without apparent injury, it may indicate a risk factor worth investigating, such as weakness, dizziness or a medication effect.

Yes, strength and balance exercise guided by a professional is among the most recommended strategies to reduce fall risk.

No. It organizes attention signs, but assessment and a prevention plan depend on professional follow-up.

Seek assessment for recent falls, fear of falling, difficulty standing or walking, or increasing need for support to move around.

References

  • CDC. STEADI — Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries.
  • NICE Guideline NG249. Falls: assessment and prevention in older people and in people 50 and over at higher risk.
  • Podsiadlo D, Richardson S. The Timed "Up & Go": a test of basic functional mobility for frail elderly persons. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 1991.