Abstract

RYBERTT, Christopher et al. Functional parameters and their association with gait speed in Chilean community-dwelling older adults. Biomédica [online]. 2015, vol.35, n.2, pp.212-218. ISSN 0120-4157.  https://doi.org/10.7705/biomedica.v35i2.2571.

Introduction: Gait speed is a test to measure functional capacity in older adults. Nevertheless, the factors influencing this variable are not well described in South American populations. Objective: To determine the relationship between usual and maximal walking speed and functional parameters among Chilean community-dwelling older adults. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study including 69 older adults was conducted. The usual and maximal gait speeds were associated with body composition (body mass index), upper limbs muscle strength (arm curl-ups), lower limbs muscle strength (30 seconds sit-to-stand test), global function (Barthel index), ankle flexibility (range of motion), dynamic balance (timed Up & Go test) and aerobic capacity (2 minutes walking test). Results: The ankle flexibility, lower limbs strength and aerobic capacity influenced the maximal speed (R2 =0.65; p <0.001), while the usual speed was influenced by upper limbs and lower limbs strength and by the aerobic capacity (R2 = 0.51; p <0.001). Conclusion: The usual and maximal gait speeds are mostly influenced by the lower limbs muscle strength plus aerobic capacity.

Keywords : Aging; physical examination; gait; physical fitness; mobility limitations.

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