Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine differences in lower-extremity function in cognitive
healthy older persons, older persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and
older persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD). DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING:
University Alzheimer's disease clinical and research program. PARTICIPANTS: Older
persons (N=66) were studied (mean age, 76.7y); 22 were cognitively normal, 22
were diagnosed with probable MCI, 22 were diagnosed with probable AD.
INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lower-extremity function
was assessed by the four-meter walk test (4MWT), Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, and
sit-to-stand (STS) test. RESULTS: Analysis of variance, adjusting for covariates,
revealed that performance on the 4MWT was significantly lower in the MCI and AD
groups as compared with controls. TUG test performance was worse in the AD group
compared with controls. No significant group differences were found for STS
performance. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest an association between cognitive
impairment and lower-limb function in older persons. Walking speed could be
evaluated for its possible utility in screening older persons at risk for
cognitive impairment and falls.
CI - Copyright 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS