title: What physical attributes underlie self-reported vs. observed ability to walk 400 m in later life? An analysis from the InCHIANTI Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to evaluate and contrast the physical attributes that are associated with self-reported vs. observed ability to walk 400 m among older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Analysis of baseline and 3-yr data from 1026 participants 65 yrs or older in the InCHIANTI (Invecchiare in Chianti) study was conducted. Observed and self-reported ability to walk 400 m at baseline and at 3 yrs were primary outcomes. Predictors included leg speed, leg strength, leg strength symmetry, range of motion, balance, and kyphosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Balance, leg speed, leg strength, kyphosis, leg strength symmetry, and knee range of motion were associated with self-reported ability to walk 400 m at baseline (P < 0.001, c = 0.85). Balance, leg speed, and knee range of motion were associated with observed 400-m walk (P < 0.001, c = 0.85) at baseline. Prospectively, baseline leg speed and leg strength were predictive of both self-reported (P < 0.001, c = 0.79) and observed (P < 0.001, c = 0.72) ability to walk 400 m at 3 yrs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The profiles of attributes that are associated with self-reported vs. observed walking ability differ. The factor most consistently associated with current and future walking ability is leg speed. These results draw attention to important foci for rehabilitation.
authors: From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (MKB, JFB); College of Nursing Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School (SGL); Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle (KVP); Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (DKK); Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (CLP); Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Firenze, Florence, Italy (SB); National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland (LF); and Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Gerontology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore (JG).
authors: Marla K
authors: MK
authors: Beauchamp
authors: Suzanne G
authors: SG
authors: Leveille
authors: Kushang V
authors: KV
authors: Patel
authors: Dan K
authors: DK
authors: Kiely
authors: Caroline L
authors: CL
authors: Phillips
authors: Stefania
authors: S
authors: Bandinelli
authors: Luigi
authors: L
authors: Ferrucci
authors: Jack
authors: J
authors: Guralnik
authors: Jonathan F
authors: JF
authors: Bean
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D019370:Observation; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D057566:Self Report; D012737:Sex Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*