Gait speed at usual pace in acute care setting s was 0.46 m/s ( 95 % CI : 0.34 - 0.57 ) , which was significantly slower than the gait speed of 0.74 m/s ( 95 % CI : 0.65 - 0.83 ) recorded in outpatient setting s. CONCLUSIONS Gait speed is an important measure in comprehensive geriatric assessment .
The consolidation of data from multiple studies reported in this meta- analysis highlights the mobility limitations experienced by older people in clinical setting s and the need for ongoing rehabilitation to attain levels sufficient for reintegration in the community
BACKGROUND  Gait speed  is a quick , inexpensive , reliable measure of functional capacity with well-documented predictive value for major health-related outcomes .
Numerous epidemiological studies have documented gait speed in healthy , community-dwelling older people .
Frailty Intervention Trial (FIT)
Background Frailty is a term commonly used to describe the condition of an older person who has chronic health problems , has lost functional abilities and is likely to deteriorate further . However , despite its common use , only a small number of studies have attempted to define the syndrome of frailty and measure its prevalence . The criteria Fried and colleagues used to define the frailty syndrome will be used in this study ( i.e. weight loss , fatigue , decreased grip strength , slow gait speed , and low physical activity ) . Previous studies have shown that clinical outcomes for frail older people can be improved using multi-factorial interventions such as comprehensive geriatric assessment , and single interventions such as exercise programs or nutritional supplementation , but no interventions have been developed to specifically reverse the syndrome of frailty . We have developed a multidisciplinary intervention that specifically targets frailty as defined by Fried et al. We aim to establish the effects of this intervention on frailty , mobility , hospitalisation and institutionalisation in frail older people . Methods and Design A single centre r and omised controlled trial comparing a multidisciplinary intervention with usual care . The intervention will target identified characteristics of frailty , functional limitations , nutritional status , falls risk , psychological issues and management of chronic health conditions .  Two hundred and thirty people aged 70 and over who meet the Fried definition of frailty will be recruited from clients of the aged care service of a metropolitan hospital . Participants will be followed for a 12-month period . Discussion This research is an important step in the examination of specifically targeted frailty interventions . This project will assess whether an intervention specifically targeting frailty can be implemented , and whether it is effective when compared to usual care . If successful , the study will establish a new approach to the treatment of older people at risk of further functional decline and institutionalisation . The strategies to be examined are readily transferable to routine clinical practice and are applicable broadly in the setting of aged care health services . Trial Registration Australian New Zeal and Clinical Trails Registry : ACTRN12608000250336
Gait speed at usual pace in acute care setting s was 0.46 m/s ( 95 % CI : 0.34 - 0.57 ) , which was significantly slower than the gait speed of 0.74 m/s ( 95 % CI : 0.65 - 0.83 ) recorded in outpatient setting s. CONCLUSIONS Gait speed is an important measure in comprehensive geriatric assessment .
The consolidation of data from multiple studies reported in this meta- analysis highlights the mobility limitations experienced by older people in clinical setting s and the need for ongoing rehabilitation to attain levels sufficient for reintegration in the community
BACKGROUND  Gait speed  is a quick , inexpensive , reliable measure of functional capacity with well-documented predictive value for major health-related outcomes .
Numerous epidemiological studies have documented gait speed in healthy , community-dwelling older people .