Article

PURPOSE: 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. METHOD:
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. RESULTS: 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%. CONCLUSIONS: Our
results suggest that to decrease the risk of mobility decline focus should be on
strength, balance and nutrition. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: * 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.

Langue : ANGLAIS