The aim of this study is to examine the determining role of walking speed on physical performance parameters in individuals aged 65 and over. The study aims to compare flexibility, lower extremity muscle strength (5-count sit-stand test), static balance (single-leg balance), upper extremity muscle strength (hand grip), dynamic balance (FUT), functional mobility (TUG), and stair climbing/climbing skills in individuals with walking speeds of 0.4-0.8 m/s (limited community mobility) and above 0.8 m/s (independent community mobility).
Being 65 years of age or older
Being able to perform walking functions
Having sufficient mobility to perform the physical performance tests included in the research, such as 5 sit-stand tests, TUG (Trip and Go) tests, and stair climbing/descending tests. • Having a walking speed of at least 0.4 m/s or more as a result of the 4 Meter Walking Test (having limited or independent mobility within the community).
Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study and providing informed consent.
Having a history of advanced cognitive impairment or diagnosed dementia that would impair the ability to understand and follow test instructions.
Those diagnosed with moderate or severe cognitive impairment (MMSE < 24 and/or MoCA < 21)
Having a walking speed below 0.4 m/s on the 4-Meter Walk Test (individuals who are wheelchair-bound or bedridden).
Advanced Parkinson's disease, active stroke sequelae, lower extremity fracture within the last 6 months, or a history of acute orthopedic surgery that primarily affects motor performance and balance.
Geriatric individuals aged 65 and over who meet the inclusion criteria for the study.
Other
Cross-sectional
Assessments
Other interventionAssessments will be conducted after obtaining voluntary consent from the participants. The physical performance tests to be applied within the scope of the research will be carried out by the research team within the framework of internationally accepted standard protocols whose validity and reliability have been proven in the geriatric population.
4-Meter Walk Test (Walking Speed Measurement)
Walking speed will be assessed using the 4-Meter Walk Test, a key indicator of functional mobility in geriatric individuals. Participants will be asked to walk a 4-meter test area in the center at their "natural and comfortable walking speed," using 1-meter "acceleration" zones at the beginning and 1-meter "deceleration" zones at the end of a 6-meter flat course. The measurement will be recorded with a stopwatch the moment the participant's foot crosses the 4-meter marked area, and the result will be calculated in m/s (Studenski et al., 2011).
Time Sit-Stand Test (5STS):
To assess lower extremity muscle strength and balance, participants will be asked to stand up and sit down as quickly as possible, five times consecutively, from a standard chair 43-45 cm high, with their arms crossed over their chest. The timer will start with the "start" command and end when the fifth sitting is completed (Bohannon, 2006).
Timed Up and Go (TUG):
To measure functional mobility, the participant will get up from the chair, walk a distance of 3 meters, return, and sit back down in the chair. This time will be recorded in seconds using a stopwatch (Podsiadlo \& Richardson, 1991).
Functional Reach Test (FUT/FRT)
To measure static balance and stability limits, the maximum distance the participant can reach without losing balance and without taking a step, while standing next to a wall with the shoulder flexed at 90 degrees, will be measured (Duncan et al., 1990).
Single Leg Balance Test (Right and Left):
Participants' static balance will be determined by recording the "time they can stand on one leg" (maximum 60 seconds) with their eyes open and hands on their hips, on both their dominant and non-dominant legs (Springer et al., 2007).
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Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
Lead sponsor
Balikesir University
Sponsor institution
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