Walking Speed Before and After Hip Fracture

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

4-2012

Abstract

As the US population rapidly ages, the number of hip fractures continues to rise despite a decrease in the incidence. This synthesis of recent literature discusses walking speed before and after hip fracture. In a longitudinal study, a walking speed less than 0.69 m/s increases the risk for first hip fracture in older women. After hip fracture, walking speed has excellent test-retest reliability, is a feasible measure, and is responsive to change. Walking speed declines after hip fracture; however, significant improvements in walking speed have been reported using different physical therapy intervention strategies. In addition, a high positive affect is associated with improved walking speed. This synthesis speaks to the importance of measuring walking speed in older adults and patients after hip fractures.

DOI

10.1097/TGR.0b013e3182492481

Publication

Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation

Volume

28

Issue

2

Publisher

Wolters Kluwer

Pages

122-127

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