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+/-6.1 yr) who could walk independently, twice performed a 10 m walk at maximum speed and a step test for 20 sec with varying metronome tempos (40 bpm, 60 bpm, and 120 bpm). Subjects were divided into three groups (G1-G3) based on their 10 m 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 40 bpm and 60 bpm tempos (r=0.22-0.59). In step tests with slower tempos (40 bpm and 60 bpm), 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.