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 .
Instrumental activities of daily living related to impairments and functional limitations in 70-year-olds and changes between 70 and 76 years of age.
The aim of this study was to analyse in particular dependence in instrumental daily life activities ( I-ADLs ) and its association with physical impairments and functional limitations in the elderly . The study was based on cross-sectional data on 70-year-olds ( n = 602 ) and longitudinal data on subjects followed up to the age of 76 ( n = 371 ) . Persons dependent in ADL  had lower values in maximum walking speed , grip strength , knee extensor strength , stair climbing capacity and in forward reach , compared with those who were independent in ADL .  Walking speed in both women and men and sight impairment in men had the greatest influence on dependence in ADL . Possible critical levels for disability in ADL are discussed , as persons who developed dependence between 70 and 76 already had a lower capacity in walking speed and knee extensor strength at age 70 than persons who retained their independence in ADL
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 .