Comparison of Physical Performance, Balance, and Functional Mobility Parameters According to Walking Speed Threshold Values in Geriatric Individuals
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Not yet recruiting
- Sponsor
- Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
- Enrollment
- 76
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- 4-Meter Walk Test (Walking Speed Measurement)
Overview
Brief Summary
The aim of this study is to examine the determining role of walking speed on physical performance parameters in individuals aged 65 and over. The study aims to compare flexibility, lower extremity muscle strength (5-count sit-stand test), static balance (single-leg balance), upper extremity muscle strength (hand grip), dynamic balance (FUT), functional mobility (TUG), and stair climbing/climbing skills in individuals with walking speeds of 0.4-0.8 m/s (limited community mobility) and above 0.8 m/s (independent community mobility).
Detailed Description
Although the relationships between walking speed and individual physical parameters have been studied in the geriatric literature, comprehensive analyses comparing multidimensional parameters such as flexibility, static-dynamic balance, hand grip strength, and stair activity performance in groups separated according to walking speed threshold values (0.4-0.8 m/s and >0.8 m/s) are needed. This study aims to identify which physical components show the most significant deficits when walking speed decreases, thereby providing a scientific basis for clinical assessment processes and personalized preventive rehabilitation programs.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Observational
- Observational Model
- Other
- Time Perspective
- Cross Sectional
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 65 Years to — (Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Being 65 years of age or older
- •Being able to perform walking functions
- •Having sufficient mobility to perform the physical performance tests included in the research, such as 5 sit-stand tests, TUG (Trip and Go) tests, and stair climbing/descending tests. • Having a walking speed of at least 0.4 m/s or more as a result of the 4 Meter Walking Test (having limited or independent mobility within the community).
- •Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study and providing informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Having a history of advanced cognitive impairment or diagnosed dementia that would impair the ability to understand and follow test instructions.
- •Those diagnosed with moderate or severe cognitive impairment (MMSE \< 24 and/or MoCA \< 21)
- •Having a walking speed below 0.4 m/s on the 4-Meter Walk Test (individuals who are wheelchair-bound or bedridden).
- •Advanced Parkinson's disease, active stroke sequelae, lower extremity fracture within the last 6 months, or a history of acute orthopedic surgery that primarily affects motor performance and balance.
- •Those with severe hearing or vision loss
- •Individuals experiencing significant difficulty communicating
- •Participants who did not sign the voluntary consent form
Arms & Interventions
Geriartric Indivıduals
Geriatric individuals aged 65 and over who meet the inclusion criteria for the study.
Intervention: Assessments (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
4-Meter Walk Test (Walking Speed Measurement)
Time Frame: 1 week
Walking speed will be assessed using the 4-Meter Walk Test, a key indicator of functional mobility in geriatric individuals. Participants will be asked to walk a 4-meter test area in the center at their "natural and comfortable walking speed," using 1-meter "acceleration" zones at the beginning and 1-meter "deceleration" zones at the end of a 6-meter flat course. The measurement will be recorded with a stopwatch the moment the participant's foot crosses the 4-meter marked area, and the result will be calculated in m/s (Studenski et al., 2011).
Secondary Outcomes
- Time Sit-Stand Test (5STS):(1 week)
- Timed Up and Go (TUG):(1 week)
- Functional Reach Test (FUT/FRT)(1 week)
- Single Leg Balance Test (Right and Left):(1 week)
- Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test):(1 week)
- Stair Climbing Test(1 week)
- Strength Measurement (Hand Grip Strength):(1 week)
Investigators
Gulfidan Tokgoz
Lecturer, PhD(c)
Balikesir University