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The maximal double step length test can evaluate more adequately the decrease of physical function with age, than the

Shinichi Demura¹, Takayoshi Yamada

¹Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kakuma, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan.

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

|October 12, 2010

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The maximal double step length (MDSL) test better reflects age-related changes and daily living abilities in older adults than the maximal step length (MSL) test. MDSL may improve fall prevention strategies for the elderly.

Area of Science:

Gerontology
Biomechanics
Physical Therapy

Background:

Dynamic balance is crucial for elderly fall prevention and maintaining independence.
The maximal step length (MSL) test assesses physical function, but its ability to evaluate daily living activities is limited.
The maximal double step length (MDSL) test is a modification of the MSL test, but its utility in assessing age-related decline and activities of daily living (ADL) requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between age, activities of daily living (ADL), and the maximal step length (MSL) and maximal double step length (MDSL) tests in elderly individuals.
To determine if MDSL is a more sensitive measure than MSL for evaluating functional decline associated with aging.

Main Methods:

Fifty-seven independently living elderly females (mean age 74.8±5.6 years) participated in the study.

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Participants completed an activities of daily living (ADL) questionnaire.

Both MSL and MDSL tests were administered twice, and reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Main Results:

Both MSL (ICC=0.95) and MDSL (ICC=0.81-0.82) demonstrated high test-retest reliability.
MDSL showed significant correlations with age (r=-0.32 to -0.41) and ADL (r=0.28 to 0.48).
MSL did not show significant correlations with age (r=-0.19) or ADL (r=0.15).

Conclusions:

The MDSL test exhibits high reliability and a significant relationship with age and ADL in elderly women.
MDSL appears to be a more effective tool than MSL for assessing functional abilities relevant to independent living and fall prevention in the aging population.