Do objective measurements of physical function in ambulatory nursing home women improve assessment of functional status?
OBJECTIVE
To compare the functional status of ambulatory women in four academic nursing homes using standardized rating scales and physical performance measures used in community settings.


METHODS
Observational cohort.


METHODS
Women older than 65 years, ambulatory with or without an assistive device.


METHODS
Direct comparison of the Functional Independence Measure and the Performance Self Maintenance Score with objective measure of the Get-up-and-go test, a six minute walk, and a six meter walk.


RESULTS
Two variables, the gait speed and creatinine clearance, correctly classified 80% of subjects with higher functional status defined by subjective rating scales.


CONCLUSIONS
Although gait speed calculated by a six meter walk is easily performed and highly correlated with subjectively assessed functional status, the majority of these ambulatory women nursing home residents exceeded the population means for each of the performance-based physical function measures.
Thomas
David R
DR
Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO 63104, USA. thomasdr@slu.edu
Marren
Kathy
K
Banks
William
W
Morley
John
J
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D009735:Nursing Homes; D004856:Postural Balance; D016138:Walking