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 .
Physical Function and Health Status among Seniors with and without a Fear of Falling
Background : Fear of falling ( FF ) is pervasive among older people and is an independent risk factor for decreased mobility and loss of quality of life . Although it is a serious health concern , little is known about the severity of the physical and health-related deficits in high-functioning fearful seniors . Objective : This study examined the physical correlates of FF in community-dwelling seniors in relation to their non-fearful counterparts and also explored the relevance of recent fall history . Subjects : Twenty-five volunteers who stated that they had curtailed their activities due to a FF and who reported themselves to be healthy participated . Non-fearful , age- and gender-matched subjects were also recruited and served as a comparison group . Methods : This cross-sectional study had participants come to the laboratory on one occasion for about 1.5 h. Limits of balance stability , walking speed , and lower limb muscle strength were measured in r and om order . In addition , the SF-36 , the Activities-specific Balance Confidence ( ABC ) scale and the Human Activity Profile question naires were completed to provide measures of heath status , FF and activity levels , respectively . Results : Subjects with a FF had lower ABC scores ( 69.8 ± 10.2 ) than controls ( 90.2 ± 7.9 ; p < 0.001 ) , and although they reported activity curtailment , the groups presented similar activity profiles ( p > 0.05 ) . Balance ability was not compromised in seniors with a FF , although their walking speed was slower than that of control subjects ( p < 0.004 ) . Lower limb weakness was significant in the FF group , which also reported low physical health . Perceived physical health , activity and hip flexor torque in combination accounted for almost 62 % of the variance in ABC scores . Secondary analysis of the data from the FF group revealed a tendency for those who had fallen in the past year to restrict their limits of stability compared to those who had not fallen ; though generally the effect sizes were small to moderate . Conclusions : The marked deficits in strength and health status found among seniors living independently in the community , who are in good health , but report being fearful of falling underscores the seriousness of FF as a potential health risk factor in the well elderly
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 .