Factors affecting a 50-meter round walking test in the elderly people requiring nursing care

Abstract

In this study, 143 elderly people requiring nursing care were enrolled in order to investigate the main factors affecting the 50 m round walking test. Our methodology included analysis of the relationships between upper/lower limb strength, the30second chair stand test (CS-30),the functional reach test (FRT), the one-leg standing test, and the 50 m round walking test. The main factors showing significant correlation with the 50 m round walking test in order of descending correlation coefficients were: CS-30 (r=­0.48),FRT (r=­0.40),quadriceps strength (r=­0.23), one-leg standing test (r=­0.20), and grip strength (r=­0.17).Based on the results of a stepwise multiple regression analysis, CS-30 (β=­0.39) and FRT (β=­0.28) were selected as the main factors affecting the 50 m round walking test. The abovementioned results suggest that muscular endurance and dynamic balance exert a greater impact on the 50 m round walking test than upper/lower limb strength and static balance.