Predictors of mobility in community-dwelling women aged 85 and older

To describe changes in mobility measured with the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) from baseline to follow-up 9 years later, and to examine which of the demographic, physical performance and health variables measured at baseline were predictors of the TUG at follow-up in a sample of women aged 85 or older.

This prospective cohort study included 113 community-dwelling women with a baseline mean age of 79.5 years. TUG was measured at baseline and at follow-up. The following baseline measurements were used as predictors: demographics, step-climbing ability, functional reach, and health.

At follow-up 110 women had decline in the TUG. Mean TUG scores at baseline and at follow-up were 6.7 s (SD = 1.3) and 13.2 s (SD = 6.8) respectively. Higher age, higher BMI, poorer results on; functional reach, step-climbing and self-rated health were independent predictors of poorer TUG at the 9-year follow-up. Exhibiting sufficient strength to climb a step of 40 cm or more protected significantly against mobility decline. Improving balance measured by the functional reach test by 1 cm lowered the probability of major mobility decline by 7%.

Our results suggest that to decrease the risk of mobility decline focus should be on strength, balance and nutrition.

• A great reduction in mobility, measured with the Timed Up and Go was observed at the 9-year followup. Thirty-nine percent of the community dwelling women aged 85 and above scored below average for their age group and are at risk for adverse outcomes. • The amendable baseline predictors of poorer Timed Up and Go at 9-year follow-up were: higher BMI, poor step climbing capacity and poor balance. Exhibiting sufficient muscle strength and muscle power to climb a step of 40 cm or higher protected significantly against mobility decline. Improving balance measured by the functional reach test by 1 cm lowered the probability of mobility decline by 7%. • To decrease the risk for mobility decline, exercise programmes should focus on muscle strength and balance.