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 .
Is there a relationship between balance, gait performance and muscular strength in 75-year-old women?
OBJECTIVE To see if there is a relationship between clinical and laboratory tests of balance , muscular strength and gait in elderly women . DESIGN A r and omized population -based study . SETTING S Malmö , Sweden . METHODS We investigated balance with a simple test of st and ing on one leg , as well as a computerized balance platform . Muscular strength was tested by computerized dynamometer . Extension and flexion of the knee and dorsiflexion of the ankle were tested . We measured the time and number of steps taken to walk a certain distance and the subjects ' height and weight . PARTICIPANTS 418 r and omly selected 75-year-old women , of whom 230 took part . RESULTS There was no relation between the computerized balance tests and any of the other tests . The non-computerized balance test was correlated with gait time and number of steps ( r = -0.50 , P<0.001 and r = -0.40 , P<0.001 , respectively ) . Tests of extension and flexion , strength of the knee and ankle dorsiflexion were related to gait , speed and number of steps . Heavy women had poorer balance when assessed by the non-computerized test ( r = -0.32 , P<0.001 ) and with the computerized , stable platform , eyes-open test ( r = 0.27 , P<0.001 ) and eyes-closed test ( r = 0.44 , P<0.001 ) . The heavier an individual was , the slower her gait and the shorter her steps , despite having stronger knee muscles . CONCLUSION There is no relationship between the simple balance tests and computerized platform tests . Muscle strength of the leg is not necessarily linked to balance , but rather to gait performance
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 .