Relationship between the Step Test with Stipulated Tempos and Gait Ability in the Elderly

This study aimed to examine the performance characteristics of a step test with stipulated tempos, used to evaluate the dynamic balance ability of the elderly, as well as the relationship between this step test and walking ability. Ninety-two healthy older women (age 70.9±6.1yr) who could walk independently, twice performed a 10m walk at maximum speed and a step test for 20sec with varying metronome tempos (40bpm, 60bpm, and 120bpm). Subjects were divided into three groups (G1-G3) based on their 10m gait time. Group 3 (G3), with the longest gait time, experienced the most falls. One evaluation parameter was the total time difference between the metronome sound and the time when the subject's foot hit the ground. The gait time was significantly related to the time difference in the 40bpm and 60bpm tempos (r=0.22-0.59). In step tests with slower tempos (40bpm and 60bpm), group G3 had a significantly larger time difference than the other two groups. In conclusion, a step test with slow tempos has a close relationship with the walking ability of the elderly and may be useful in evaluating their dynamic balance ability related to locomotion.