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 .
Health-related quality of life in older adults at risk for disability.
BACKGROUND The number of older adults living in the United States continues to increase , and recent research has begun to target interventions to older adults who have mobility limitations and are at risk for disability . The objective of this study is to describe and examine correlates of health-related quality of life in this population subgroup using baseline data from a larger intervention study . METHODS The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders-Pilot study ( LIFE-P ) was a r and omized controlled trial that compared a physical activity intervention to a non-exercise educational intervention among 424 older adults at risk for disability . Baseline data ( collected in April-December 2004 , analyzed in 2006 ) included demographics , medical history , the Quality of Well-Being Scale ( QWB-SA ) , a timed 400-m walk , and the Short Physical Performance Battery ( SPPB ) . Descriptive health-related quality of life ( HRQOL ) data are presented . Hierarchical linear regression models were used to examine correlates of HRQOL . RESULTS The mean QWB-SA score for the sample was 0.630 on an interval scale ranging from 0.0 ( death ) to 1.0 ( asymptomatic , optimal functioning ) . The mean of 0.630 is 0.070 lower than a comparison group of healthy older adults . The variables associated with lower HRQOL included white ethnicity , more comorbid conditions , slower 400-m walk times , and lower SPPB balance and chair st and scores . CONCLUSIONS Older adults who are at risk for disability had reduced HRQOL . Surprisingly , however , mobility was a stronger correlate of HRQOL than an index of comorbidity , suggesting that interventions addressing mobility limitations may provide significant health benefits to this population
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 .