Self-selected and maximal walking speeds provide greater insight into fall status than walking speed reserve among community-dwelling older adults

Addie Middleton, George D. Fulk, Troy M. Herter, Michael W. Beets, Jonathan Donley, Stacy L. Fritz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To determine the degree to which self-selected walking speed (SSWS), maximal walking speed (MWS), and walking speed reserve (WSR) are associated with fall status among community-dwelling older adults. Design: WS and 1-year falls history data were collected on 217 communitydwelling older adults (median age = 82, range 65-93 years) at a local outpatient PT clinic and local retirement communities and senior centers.WSR was calculated as a difference (WSRdiff = MWS - SSWS) and ratio (WSRratio = MWS/SSWS). Results: SSWS (P < 0.001), MWS (P < 0.001), and WSRdiff (P < 0.01) were associated with fall status. The cutpoints identified were 0.76 m/s for SSWS (65.4% sensitivity, 70.9% specificity), 1.13 m/s for MWS (76.6% sensitivity, 60.0% specificity), and 0.24 m/s for WSRdiff (56.1% sensitivity, 70.9% specificity). SSWS and MWS better discriminated between fallers and non-fallers (SSWS: AUC = 0.69, MWS: AUC = 0.71) than WSRdiff (AUC = 0.64). Conclusions: SSWS and MWS seem to be equally informative measures for assessing fall status in community-dwelling older adults. Older adults with SSWSs less than 0.76 m/s and those with MWSs less than 1.13 m/s may benefit from further fall risk assessment. Combining SSWS and MWSto calculate an individual's WSR does not provide additional insight into fall status in this population.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)475-482
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume95
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 21 2016

Keywords

  • Aged
  • Gait
  • Geriatric assessment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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