Several tools are available to assess mobility in the ambulatory setting .
Relatively few studies support therapeutic exercise to improve mobility limitation .
Strong evidence supports resistance and balance exercises for improving mobility-limiting physical weakness and balance disorders .
Addressing functional deficits and environmental barriers with exercise and mobility devices can lead to improved function , safety , and quality of life for patients with mobility limitations
IMPORTANCE Mobility limitations are common in older adults , affecting the physical , psychological , and social aspects of an older adult 's life .
OBJECTIVE To identify mobility risk factors , screening tools , medical management , need for physical therapy  , and efficacy of exercise interventions for older primary care patients with limited mobility .
Should physical activity programs be tailored when older adults have compromised function?
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a walking program supplemented by tasks design ed to challenge balance and mobility ( WALK+ ) could improve physical function more than a traditional walking program ( WALK ) in older adults at risk for mobility disability . 31 community-dwelling older adults ( M + /- SD age = 76 + /- 5 yr ; Short Physical Performance Battery [ SPPB ] score = 8.4 + /- 1.7 ) were r and omized to treatment . Both interventions were 18 sessions ( 1 hr , 3x/wk ) and progressive in intensity and duration . Physical function was assessed using the SPPB and the 400-m-walk time . A subset of participants in the WALK group who had relatively lower baseline function showed only small improvement in their SPPB scores after the intervention ( 0.3 + /- 0.5 ) , whereas a subset of participants in the WALK+ group with low baseline function showed substantial improvement in their SPPB scores ( 2.2 + /- 0.7 ) . These preliminary data underscore the potential importance of tailoring interventions for older adults based on baseline levels of physical function
Several tools are available to assess mobility in the ambulatory setting .
Relatively few studies support therapeutic exercise to improve mobility limitation .
Strong evidence supports resistance and balance exercises for improving mobility-limiting physical weakness and balance disorders .
Addressing functional deficits and environmental barriers with exercise and mobility devices can lead to improved function , safety , and quality of life for patients with mobility limitations
IMPORTANCE Mobility limitations are common in older adults , affecting the physical , psychological , and social aspects of an older adult 's life .
OBJECTIVE To identify mobility risk factors , screening tools , medical management , need for physical therapy  , and efficacy of exercise interventions for older primary care patients with limited mobility .