Improving Mobility in Residential Aged Care

Gait speed and spatio-temporal parameters will be recorded via the GaitMat II system (Manufacturer is EQInc; Model is GaitMat II), which required participants to walk across a level pressure mat system 3.66 m (11.91 ft.) long (McDonough et al. 2001). Participants completed the trials at their preferred (habitual) walking (gait) speed. All measures will be initiated from a standing start 2 m (6.56 ft.) from the GaitMat II platform as suggested by Kressig and Beauchet (Kressig & Beauchet 2006) to reduce the effect that acceleration may have on gait speed. Three conditions will be measured which include normal walking, along with two dual tasks. These dual tasks include: (i) walking while carrying a glass of water in the participants preferred hand, (ii) walking while counting backwards from 30. Each of these gait conditions will be performed for three repetitions in a randomised block order (Taylor, 2012).

In the sit-to-stand measure, participants sat and stood to a full standing position from a chair as many times as possible in 30 seconds whilst keeping their arms crossed against their chest (Millor 2013). Measurement units = repetitions in 30 seconds

Upper body muscle function was measured by isometric handgrip strength and sit-to-stand performance, respectively. When performing the handgrip strength assessments, participants were seated, instructed to keep their elbow at 90° and asked to squeeze a handgrip dynamometer (Sammons Preston Roylan, Bolingbrook, IL) to their maximum ability for a period of up to five seconds (Mathiowetz 2002). Three trials were performed with the subject's dominant hand with one-minute rest between trials and the best result used for analysis (Roberts 2011). Measurement units = kilograms

measure the volume of lean body mass (kg) and fat mass (kg) and the skeletal muscle index will be calculated using the BIA.

The EQ-5D-EL descriptive system comprises the following five dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Each dimension has three levels: no problems, some problems and extreme problems.

The SARC-F questionnaire is a rapid diagnostic test used to screen individuals for sarcopenia. There are five SARC components: strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls. The scores range from 0 to 2 points for each of the five components, allowing a total score of 0-10. Studies have suggested that a score equal to or greater than four is predictive of sarcopenia and poor health outcomes.