Implications for Rehabilitation
A great reduction in mobility, measured with the Timed Up and Go was observed at the 9-year follow-up. Thirty-nine percent of the community dwelling women aged 85 and above scored below average for their age group and are at risk for adverse outcomes.
The amendable baseline predictors of poorer Timed Up and Go at 9-year follow-up were: higher BMI, poor step climbing capacity and poor balance. Exhibiting sufficient muscle strength and muscle power to climb a step of 40?cm or higher protected significantly against mobility decline. Improving balance measured by the functional reach test by 1?cm lowered the probability of mobility decline by 7%.
To decrease the risk for mobility decline, exercise programmes should focus on muscle strength and balance.