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Background: the study of factors associated with age-related gait decline may assist in developing methods to preserve mobility in older people.

Objective: to examine the associations between sensorimotor factors relevant to ageing and gait in the general older population.

Design: cross-sectional population-based study.

Methods: participants aged 60–86 years (n = 278) were randomly selected using electoral roll sampling. Sensorimotor factors (quadriceps strength, reaction time, postural sway, proprioception and visual contrast sensitivity) were measured using the Physiological Profile Assessment. Gait variables (speed, cadence, step length, double support phase and step width) were recorded with a GAITRite walkway. Linear regression was used to model relationships between sensorimotor and gait variables.

Results: mean age of participants was 72.4 (7 …