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Prediction of Falls Using a 3-m Zigzag Walk Test.

Suzuka Masuda1, Kazuo Suganuma, Chika Kaneko

  • 1Department of Rehabilitation, Yamadakinen Hospital.

Journal of Physical Therapy Science
|November 22, 2013
PubMed
Summary

The 3-meter zigzag walk test effectively predicts falls in older adults. A cutoff time of 10.5 seconds indicates a higher fall risk, aiding in fall prevention strategies.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Biomechanics
  • Clinical Assessment

Background:

  • Falls are a major concern for elderly individuals, leading to injuries and reduced quality of life.
  • Predictive tools for fall risk are crucial for implementing timely interventions.
  • Existing mobility assessments may not fully capture the dynamic balance required for daily activities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the 3-meter zigzag walk test as a predictor of falls in community-dwelling older adults.
  • To examine the relationship between fall history, 3-meter zigzag walk test performance, 10-meter walk, and age.
  • To establish the reliability and validity of the 3-meter zigzag walk test for fall prediction.

Main Methods:

  • Fifty independent older adults (≥65 years) participated.
Keywords:
3-m zigzag walk testElderlyFalls

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  • A 3-meter zigzag walk test was conducted, measuring the time to complete the course.
  • Reproducibility was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and paired t-tests; fall and no-fall groups were compared using unpaired t-tests.

    • Main Results:

    • The 3-meter zigzag walk test demonstrated high intra-rater reliability (ICC=0.94-0.97).
    • Individuals who had fallen took significantly longer to complete the zigzag walk compared to those who had not fallen.
    • Logistic regression identified the 3-meter zigzag walk time as a significant predictor of fall history (OR=0.377, p<0.01).

    Conclusions:

    • The 3-meter zigzag walk test is a reliable and valid tool for predicting falls in older adults.
    • A cutoff time of 10.5 seconds for the 3-meter zigzag walk test can identify individuals at higher risk of falling.
    • This simple test offers a practical method for fall risk assessment in clinical settings.