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 .
Balance, Muscle Strength, and Fear of Falling in Older Adults
This study examined balance ability , lower-extremity muscle strength , fear of falling and their inter-relationships in 40 community-dwelling older adults ( > 65 years ) . Subjects who self-identified either as being fearful offalling or not ( no concern ) were screened to exclude those with known risk factors for falling .  Limits of stability , maximal isometric strength , gait speed , and fear of falling were contrasted between groups ( 27 control subjects , 13 fearful subjects ) . Those fearful of falling demonstrated smaller center of pressure ( COP ) excursions in anterior , left , and right directions ( p < .0001 ) and used a smaller percentage of their base of support during maximal weight shifting in combined anterior-posterior and right-left directions ( p < .001 ) compared to the control group . Strength did not differ between groups , but was associated with the ability to shift the COP in the anterior-posterior direction ( p < .05 ) . Fear of falling also related to weight shifting ability ( p < .017 ) . Seniors fearful of falling demonstrated limitations in balance ability and balance confidence that could not be explained by muscle weakness
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 .