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 .
Attrition in an exercise intervention: a comparison of early and later dropouts.
OBJECTIVE To identify reasons for dropout and factors that may predict dropout from an exercise intervention aim ed at improving physical function in frail older persons . DESIGN / SETTING An 18-month r and omized controlled intervention in a community setting . The intervention comprised 2 groups : class-based and self-paced exercise . PARTICIPANTS 155 community-dwelling older persons , mean age 77.4 , with mildly to moderately compromised mobility . MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome measure was dropout . Dropouts were grouped as : D0 , dropout between baseline and 3-month assessment , and D3 , dropout after 3-month assessment . MEASUREMENTS Measurements of demographics , health , and physical performance included self-rated health , SF-36 , disease burden , adverse events , PPT-8 , MacArthur battery , 6-minute walk , and gait velocity . RESULTS There were 56 dropouts ( 36 % ) , 31 in first 3 months . Compared with retained subjects ( R ) , the D0 group had greater disease burden ( P = .011 ) , worse self-perceived physical health ( P = .014 ) , slower usual gait speed ( P = .001 ) , and walked a shorter distance over 6 minutes ( P<.001 ) . No differences were found between R and D3 . Multinomial logistic regression showed 6-minute walk ( P<.001 ) and usual gait velocity ( P<.001 ) were the strongest independent predictors of dropout . Controlling for all other variables , adverse events after r and omization and 6-minute walk distance were the strongest independent predictors of dropout , and self-paced exercise assignment increased the risk of dropout . CONCLUSIONS We observed baseline differences between early dropouts and retained subjects in disease burden , physical function , and endurance , suggesting that these factors at baseline may predict dropout . Improved underst and ing of factors that lead to and predict dropout could allow research ers to identify subjects at risk of dropout before r and omization . Assigning targeted retention techniques in accordance with these factors could result in decreased attrition in future studies . Therefore , the results of selective attrition of frailer subjects , such as decreased heterogeneity , restricted generalizability of study findings , and limited underst and ing of exercise effects in this population , would be avoided
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 .