Conclusions The Timed Up- and -Go test measure appears not to be a useful measure of physical functioning for the driving outcomes included here .
The Rapid Pace Walk may be useful in studies of driving ability and exposure .
Background Improving physical functioning may be a future intervention to keep older adults driving safely longer as it can help maintain both physical and cognitive health longer .
This systematic review assesses the evidence on the association between three physical functioning measures : the Short Physical Performance Battery , the Timed Up- and -Go test , and the Rapid Pace Walk with driving outcomes in older adults .
A Randomized Trial of a Physical Conditioning Program to Enhance the Driving Performance of Older Persons
Background As the number of older drivers increases , concern has been raised about the potential safety implication s. Flexibility , coordination , and speed of movement have been associated with older drivers ’ on road performance . Objective To determine whether a multicomponent physical conditioning program targeted to axial and extremity flexibility , coordination , and speed of movement could improve driving performance among older drivers . Design R and omized controlled trial with blinded assignment and end point assessment . Participants r and omized to intervention underwent graduated exercises ; controls received home , environment safety modules . Participants Drivers , 178 , age ≥ 70 years with physical , but without substantial visual ( acuity 20/40 or better ) or cognitive ( Mini Mental State Examination score ≥24 ) impairments were recruited from clinics and community sources . Measurements On-road driving performance assessed by experienced evaluators in dual-brake equipped vehicle in urban , residential , and highway traffic . Performance rated three ways : ( 1 ) 36-item scale evaluating driving maneuvers and traffic situations ; ( 2 ) evaluator ’s overall rating ; and ( 3 ) critical errors committed . Driving performance reassessed at 3 months by evaluator blinded to treatment group . Results Least squares mean change in road test scores at 3 months compared to baseline was 2.43 points higher in intervention than control participants ( P = .03 ) . Intervention drivers committed 37 % fewer critical errors ( P = .08 ) ; there were no significant differences in evaluator ’s overall ratings ( P = .29 ) . No injuries were reported , and complaints of pain were rare . Conclusions This safe , well-tolerated intervention maintained driving performance , while controls declined during the study period . Having interventions that can maintain or enhance driving performance may allow clinician – patient discussion s about driving to adopt a more positive tone , rather than focusing on driving limitation or cessation
Conclusions The Timed Up- and -Go test measure appears not to be a useful measure of physical functioning for the driving outcomes included here .
The Rapid Pace Walk may be useful in studies of driving ability and exposure .
Background Improving physical functioning may be a future intervention to keep older adults driving safely longer as it can help maintain both physical and cognitive health longer .
This systematic review assesses the evidence on the association between three physical functioning measures : the Short Physical Performance Battery , the Timed Up- and -Go test , and the Rapid Pace Walk with driving outcomes in older adults .