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 .
Inflammatory markers and physical performance in older persons: the InCHIANTI study.
BACKGROUND Some studies have proposed chronic inflammation as an underlying biological mechanism responsible for physical function decline in elderly people . The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between several inflammatory markers and physical performance in an older population . METHODS This study is part of the " Invecchiare in Chianti " ( InCHIANTI ) study , a prospect i ve population -based study of older people , aim ed at identifying risk factors for late-life disability . The study sample consisted of 1020 participants aged 65 years and older living in the Chianti area of Italy .  Physical performance  was assessed using walking speed , the chair-st and test , and the st and ing balance test . H and -grip strength  was assessed using a h and -held dynamometer .  Serum levels of C-reactive protein ( CRP ) , interleukin (IL)-6 , tumor necrosis factor-alpha ( TNF-alpha ) , IL-10 , IL-1beta , IL-6sR , and IL-1RA were determined . Linear regression analyses were used to assess the multivariate relationship of inflammatory marker levels with physical performance , scored as a continuous variable from 0 to 3 , and h and -grip strength after adjustment for demographics , chronic conditions , medication use , and other biological variables . RESULTS CRP , IL-6 , and IL1RA were significantly correlated with physical performance ( r=-0.162 , r=-0.251 , and r=-0.127 , respectively ) . Significant correlations with h and -grip strength were found for CRP and IL-6 ( r=-0.081 and r=-0.089 , respectively ) . After adjustment for covariates , high levels of IL-6 and IL-1RA continued to be strongly associated with worse physical performance ( p<.001 and p=0.004 , respectively ) . High levels of CRP ( p<.001 ) and IL-6 ( p<.001 ) were associated with low h and -grip strength . Mean adjusted physical performance scores ranged from 2.21 in the CRP<0.59 mg/dl group to 2.07 in the CRP>0.60 mg/dl group ( p for trend=.004 ) , and from 2.25 in the lowest IL-6 quartile to 2.08 in the highest IL-6 quartile ( p for trend<.001 ) . This trend was also reflected in mean adjusted h and -grip strength , with a range from 28.8 kg for the CRP<0.59 mg/dl group to 26.0 kg for the CRP>0.60 mg/dl group ( p for trend=.001 ) , and from 27.4 kg for the lowest IL-6 quartile to 25.1 kg for the highest IL-6 quartile ( p for trend=.001 ) . CONCLUSIONS Inflammation , measured as high levels of IL-6 , CRP , and IL-1RA , is significantly associated with poor physical performance and muscle strength in older persons . These data also support the biological face validity of physical performance measures . The assessment of inflammatory markers may represent a useful screening test and perhaps a potential target of intervention
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 .