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 .
Impact of inappropriate drug use on physical performance among a frail elderly population living in the community
Abstract Objective The criteria for inappropriate drug use developed by Beers have been widely used in drug utilization review s to assess the quality of prescribing , but there is still inconclusive evidence that these criteria can impact on patient outcomes . The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the use of inappropriate drugs and measures of physical performance , muscle strength and functional status in an elderly population ( 80 + years ) . Methods Data are from the baseline evaluation of 364 subjects enrolled in the ilSIRENTE study , a prospect i ve cohort study performed in a mountain community living in the Sirente geographic area ( L’Aquila , Abruzzo ) in Central Italy .  Physical performance was assessed using the  physical performance battery score ( SPPB )  , which is based on three timed tests : 4-m walking speed , balance and chair st and tests . Muscle strength was measured by h and grip strength . Inappropriate drug use was defined by the 2003 Beers criteria . Analyses of covariance were performed to evaluate the relationship of inappropriate drugs with physical function . Results In the unadjusted model , all of the physical performance , muscle strength and functional measures showed significant associations with inappropriate drug use . Following adjustment for potential confounders , which included age , gender , physical activity level , cognitive performance scale , comorbidity , lung diseases and diabetes , these associations were still statistically significant for the physical performance battery score [ non-users inappropriate drugs : 7.0 ; st and ard error ( SE ) : 0.1 ; users inappropriate drugs : 6.1 ; SE : 0.2 ; p = 0.007 ] The 4-m walking speed , physical performance battery score and Total Activities of Daily Living ( ADL ) scale score showed worsening results among subjects using two inappropriate medications compared with subjects using one inappropriate drug or none at all . Conclusions The use of inappropriate medication ( as defined by Beers 2003 criteria ) was found to be common among the elderly Italian study cohort living in the community . Our results suggest that among old – old subjects the use of inappropriate drugs is associated with impaired physical performance
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 .