Mobility-related performance tests to predict mobility disability at 2-year follow-up in community-dwelling older adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the predictive validity of seven mobility-related performance tests to identify and predict older adults' mobility disability status after a 2-year period. Among the 287 community-dwelling older adults who participated in the baseline assessment (physical disability status and seven performance tests), those who reported no mobility disability (n=192) at baseline assessment were followed up at 2 years. A total of 120 participants returned for the follow-up assessment 2 years later, and those without missing data (n=109) were used in the final analysis. Mobility disability status and seven performance measures (functional reach, timed chair stands, timed up and go, grip strength, usual and fastest gait speed, and six-minute walk) were re-assessed 2 years later. The timed chair stands (TCSs) were the only test that could significantly predict older adults' mobility disability status 2 years later, adjusted for age and gender. The TCS is recommended for use in community screening to identify community-dwelling older adults who are at risk of future disability and who might benefit from health promotion programs.