An Investigation of the Predictors of Comfortable and Fast Gait Speed in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Background/purpose: To identify the unique predictors of comfortable and fast gait speed in community-dwelling older adults using measures of physical performance (eg, lower extremity strength and balance), self-reported balance confidence, and global cognitive function.

Methods: Demographic information was collected from 60 healthy, community-dwelling older adults older than 60 years. Participants completed the following assessments: Mini-Mental State Examination; Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale; 30-second Chair Stand (30-SCS); Functional Reach (FR); and gait speed (comfortable and fast) using the GAITRite system.