Functional Predictors of Stair-Climbing Ability in Older Adults

Abstract

Objectives: Stair-climbing is a difficult activity for many older adults. Those unable to ambulate independently on stairs are at greater risk for falls and injury, particularly in emergency situations. The purpose of this study was to determine which physical performance tests could best predict safe and independent stair- climbing ability in this population. Design: Quasi-experimental and correlational. Setting: Community-based senior centers, assisted living, and nursing facilities in Abilene, Texas Participants: Ninety-seven older adults (mean age 80.5±10); 54 stair climbers and 43 non-stair climbers. Measurements: Subjects performed the following functional tests in random sequence: 5 times sit-to-stand (5TSTS), one-legged stance time (OLST), functional reach (FR), self-selected gait speed (GS), and the 10-step test (TST). Mean test scores were compared via t-tests and a discriminant analysis determined which tests were the best predictors of stair climbing ability. Results: Stair-climbers performed significantly better on all tests. Tests that best discriminated between the 2 groups were 5TSTS, OLST, and GS (Wilks lambda = 0.306, p < 0.7 m/s, OLST < 5 s, and 5TSTS > 15 s. Conclusion: On average, stair climbers tend to walk twice as fast (1.0 vs. 0.5 m/s), stand longer on one leg (24 vs. 1 s), and complete 5 chair stands in less time (32 vs. 14 s) than non-stair climbers. The single best discriminating factor was GS with the majority of stair-climbers walking faster than 0.7 m/s.