Abstract

Objective: 1) carry out a systematic review of studies examining the impact of physical activity on gait disorders of the elderly in the period 2003-2013, and 2) put forward recommendations based on the level and strength of the evidence. Method: the review was limited to type of study, publication period, gait changes, physical activity, frequency, duration, intensity and assessment protocols. The keywords gait, gait pattern, gait biomechanics, range, functionality, physical activity, exercise, old age, elderly, injury, failure and falls were used in the information gathering process. A total of 963 articles were assessed based on their methodology, results, discussion and conclusions. Only 52 papers met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, thus facilitating the presentation of levels of evidence and strength of the recommendations. Results: physical training programmes based on muscle power with a frequency of no less than two days per week and for at least 12 weeks, 150 minutes per week of work, and with intensities between 50% and 80% with respect to the work variable generate positive adjustments in the gait of the elderly. There is a wide variety of materials and methods used in the assessment of gait patterns, a factor that limits the external validity of the studies reviewed.