Walking speed is a highly valid test , both at habitual and maximum speed .
Both habitual and maximum walking speeds are valid instruments , and they predict death , hospitalization/institutionalization , and decline in mobility
The number of available walking tests has increased dramatically over the past decades .
Therefore , it is highly important to help clinicians choose the most appropriate walking test for a specific setting .
This systematic review aim ed to critically evaluate the reliability , validity , and responsiveness of clinical walking speed in a broad population of elderly persons living in the community , sheltered housing , or institutions .
Assessing recurrent fall risk of community-dwelling, frail older veterans using specific tests of mobility and the physical performance test of function.
BACKGROUND The purpose of this prospect i ve cohort study was to determine if older individuals at risk for recurrent falls are best identified by mobility or functional assessment s. METHODS Eighty-four community-dwelling , frail male veterans , mean age of 75.5 years ( SD=7.33 ) , participated . The history of recurrent falls was determined by self or proxy report in a clinical interview . Mobility assessment s included the Modified Gait Abnormality Rating Scale ( GARS-M ) , stride length , and walking velocity ; functional performance was determined using the Physical Performance Test ( PPT ) .  The clinical usefulness of the measures was described by determining the sensitivity and specificity of each measure using the history of recurrent falls as a st and ard . RESULT Stepwise logistic regression analysis of the data indicated that the GARS-M ( p < .01 ) and the PPT ( p < .01 ) were the most important predictors of recurrent fall risk . The sensitivity and specificity of the measures used were : GARS-M , 62.3 % and 87.1 % ; PPT , 79.3 % and 71.0 % ; walking speed , 71.7 % and 74.2 % ; and stride length , 63.2 % and 77.4 % . Together the GARS-M and PPT demonstrated the highest sensitivity of 90.6 % and the highest specificity of 87 . 1 % based on a subject testing positive on at least one test . CONCLUSION Used independently and in combination , the GARS-M and the PPT were clinical ly useful measures in screening for older individuals at risk for recurrent falls
Walking speed is a highly valid test , both at habitual and maximum speed .
Both habitual and maximum walking speeds are valid instruments , and they predict death , hospitalization/institutionalization , and decline in mobility
The number of available walking tests has increased dramatically over the past decades .
Therefore , it is highly important to help clinicians choose the most appropriate walking test for a specific setting .
This systematic review aim ed to critically evaluate the reliability , validity , and responsiveness of clinical walking speed in a broad population of elderly persons living in the community , sheltered housing , or institutions .