Gait speed and activities of daily living function in geriatric patients.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the relationship between gait speed (GS) and functional independence in elderly people.

DESIGN

GS is suggested as being a criterion standard in rehabilitation reflecting muscle strength. This study assessed the relationship between gait speed and functional independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). GS was measured by portable accelerometer over 2 meters. The mean of 3 attempts was taken. ADL function was measured by an occupational therapist using the modified Barthel ADL Index. The relationship between these measures was assessed by a statistician.

SETTING

A geriatric unit in a hospital in Scotland.

PATIENTS

One hundred sixty-one inpatients and outpatients were selected at random from the patients of a geriatric unit over a 3-month period. Patients were eligible if they were mobile with or without a walking aid.

INTERVENTIONS

GS was measured by portable ultrasonic accelerometer. Patients were reviewed by an occupational therapist, blinded to their GS, who recorded functional capacity. Case sheet review provided diagnostic details and cognitive function. The type of floor surface was recorded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

GS (m/sec), and Barthel score.

RESULTS

Patients with GS of < .25m/sec were more likely to be dependent in one or more ADL function, p < .01. Those with a GS between .35 and .55m/sec were more likely to be independent in all ADL functions, p < .001. Patients whose GS was > .55m/sec did not maintain this independence. There was no relationship between GS and floor surface or cognitive function.

CONCLUSIONS

GS is a useful indicator of ADL function in geriatric patients.