title: Changes in executive functions and self-efficacy are independently associated with improved usual gait speed in older women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Improved usual gait speed predicts substantial reduction in mortality. A better understanding of the modifiable factors that are independently associated with improved gait speed would ensure that intervention strategies are developed based on a valid theoretical framework. Thus, we examined the independent association of change in executive functions and change in falls-related self-efficacy with improved gait speed among community-dwelling senior women.
  
  
  METHODS
  A secondary analysis of the 135 senior women aged 65 to 75 years old who completed a 12-month randomized controlled trial of resistance training. Usual gait speed was assessed using a 4-meter walk. Three executive processes were assessed by standard neuropsychological tests: 1) set shifting; 2) working memory; and 3) selective attention and response inhibition. A linear regression model was constructed to determine the independent association of change in executive functions and falls-related self-efficacy with change in gait speed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Improved selective attention and conflict resolution, and falls-related self-efficacy, were independently associated with improved gait speed after accounting for age, global cognition, baseline gait speed, and change in quadriceps strength. The total variance explained was 24%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interventions that target executive functions and falls-related self-efficacy, in addition to physical functions, to improve gait speed may be more efficacious than those that do not.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00426881.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. tlambrose@exchange.ubc.ca
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Liu-Ambrose
authors.forename: Jennifer C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Lindsay S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Nagamatsu
authors.forename: Chun Liang
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Lindsay A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Katarynych
authors.forename: Karim M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Khan
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000639:trends; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology