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Relationship between cognition and gait performance in older adults receiving physical therapy interventions in the home.
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Relationship between cognition and gait performance in older adults receiving physical therapy interventions in the home Susan L. Whitney, DPT, PhD, NCS, ATC, FAPTA; Gregory F. Marchetti, PT, PhD; Jennifer Ellis, PT, DPT, MS; Laurie Otis, PT, MBA, MHA; Faisal Asiri, PT, MS; Ahmad Alghadir, PT, PhD
Aim • Determine relationship between gait and cognitive functioning in persons undergoing home-care physical therapy services. • Relevance • Persons undergoing physical therapy home services often have difficulty with mobility and gait.
Method • Retrospective analysis between 2007 and 2008: • 10,953 patients seen by home-care agency (average age 83) who ambulated independently or with assistive device. • Measures: • Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance plus either Performance Oriented Measurement Assessment (POMA) or the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). • Mental function: Outcome and Assessment Information Set.
Results • Multivariate model (adjusted for age and sex) identified DGI gait performance as independently associated with likelihood of patient requiring cognitive prompting. • Both DGI and POMA scores were independently associated with requiring assistance and/or dependence with cognitive tasks.
Conclusion • Strong relationship between cognition and gait performance in persons undergoing physical therapy interventions at home. • Changes in gait may be related to cognitive decline.