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Age and gender differences in seven tests of functional mobility
Annie A Butler1, Jasmine C Menant, Anne C Tiedemann
1Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, University of New South Wales, Barker St, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation
|August 1, 2009
Summary
Older adults, especially women, show significantly poorer functional mobility compared to younger individuals across multiple tests. This highlights age-related declines in mobility performance.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Functional mobility is crucial for independence in older adults.
- Age and gender significantly impact physical performance and mobility.
- Understanding these differences aids in targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age and gender variations in functional mobility.
- To establish normative data for functional mobility tests.
- To compare performance between young and older adults.
Main Methods:
- Included 50 young (20-39 years) and 684 older (75-98 years) adults.
- Assessed seven functional mobility tests: coordinated stability, near tandem balance, 6-meter walk, 5-repetition sit-to-stand, alternate step, and stair ascent/descent.
- Analyzed performance differences and correlations with age and health conditions.
Main Results:
- Older adults performed significantly worse than younger adults in all tests (p < 0.001).
- Older women performed worse than older men in all tests (p < 0.05).
- Poorer performance was also observed in individuals with arthritis and stroke.
Conclusions:
- This study establishes a normative database for functional mobility in community-dwelling adults.
- Confirms significant age-related declines in functional mobility.
- Highlights gender-specific differences in mobility performance among older adults.
