PurposeThe purpose of this study is to see whether the figure of eight walkings (F8W) is a reliable outcome measure in rehabilitation care especially for the older population who need extensive consideration in their practical functional affairs.Design/methodology/approachThe literature review was conducted by researching various databases such as Google Scholar, Pub Med and Web of Science, Scopus. Journals with Good impact factors were included in this study.FindingsThis review suggested that F8W could be the realistic outcome measure for rehabilitation in patients with musculoskeletal and neurological dysfunctions that could identify disability and functional impairments more deeply. Future studies in this field may provide further exploration in physiotherapy rehabilitation.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was a short review with limited resources. Its’ findings and outputs must be considered prelusive.Practical implicationsThe accustomed routine of manhood accounts for constant twists and turns which is entirely incompatible with a linear walk. In such a manner, walking in the figure of eight could detect the major perplexity faced by an individual in his habitual pursuing affairs predominately in orthopedics and neurological disorders.Originality/valueThe study has suggested the utility of F8W as a reliable tool in the rehabilitation of the elder population, evidence suggests, F8W constitutes curvy and straight paths, which could trace troubles while turning and maintaining coordination. These results of this study can serve as a foundation for future studies.