The Multisurface Obstacle Test for Older Adults (MSOT): development and reliability of a novel test for older adults

Abstract
Locomotion is an essential component of independence and well-being at old age. Performance deficits in the gait of older adults most often become evident on multisurface and varying terrains. Research results substantiate that falls occur in everyday movement situations that are characterized by instability. A test track, the Multisurface Obstacle Test for Older Adults (MSOT), was developed to diagnose individual performance. The 10-m track consists of different obstacles and varying surfaces, which represent everyday movement situations in a compact way. Twenty-nine untrained, healthy older adults (11 men, 18 women) were tested on three different days at 1-week intervals in a test–retest design by the same conductor. Mean age of the participants was 68.8 ± 5.3 years with a mean body mass index of 24.4 ± 2.5 kg/m2. The measured outcome variable was the required time (seconds) on the MSOT. The feasibility for the tested sample of untrained older adults was very good. The MSOT was undertaken safely by the participants, and no falls occurred. The range of the mean for time was between 8.12 ± 1.53 s and 9.00 ± 1.62 s. Regarding intertrial reliability, mean differences (MD) of −3.39 to −5.52 % and coefficients of variation (CV) of 2.72 to 4.19 % between the first and second trials and MD of −0.69 to −0.85 % and CV of 2.57 to 4.54 % over the three test sessions were observed. The correlation coefficients between th...

Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - October 1, 2013 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research