Professional Documents
Culture Documents
GAIT TIPS
WALKING INSTRUCTIONS
TURNING
LEANING
RUSHING
• Don’t rush.
• If you feel that you have begun to walk too fast, pause, and begin
again at a slower pace.
C O N N E C T I C U T C O L L A B O R AT I O N F O R F A L L P R E V E N T I O N GAIT TIPS 1 of 2
Copyright 2005 Mary E. Tinetti, M.D.
Handouts
LOSING BALANCE
• If you lose your balance, hold onto an unmovable object for sup-
port or, if possible, sit down.
• If you lose your balance, pause briefly, readjust footing, and con-
tinue.
DIZZINESS
• Never use objects that move for support while walking like rolling
stools or carts.
S TA I R S
• In general, go up the steps leading with your stronger leg and come
down the steps leading with your weaker leg.
C O N N E C T I C U T C O L L A B O R AT I O N F O R F A L L P R E V E N T I O N GAIT TIPS 2 of 2
Copyright 2005 Mary E. Tinetti, M.D.