{"title":"Response to the critical appraisal of: the effect of intravenous vitamin C administration on postoperative pain and intraoperative blood loss in older patients after intramedullary nailing of trochanteric fractures.","authors":"Mirza Sivro","doi":"10.1007/s41999-025-01204-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-025-01204-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49287,"journal":{"name":"European Geriatric Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144046969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marie Doussiere, Yannis Hamidou, Vanessa Moukarzel, Pierre-Antoine Bruy, Valentine Deprez, Jean-Marc Sobhy-Danial, Corinne Fauvet, Patrice Fardellone, Vincent Goëb
{"title":"Immediate risk factors for fracture recurrence after initial fractures, based on fracture liaison service dataset, and comparison with fall risk factors reported in the literature.","authors":"Marie Doussiere, Yannis Hamidou, Vanessa Moukarzel, Pierre-Antoine Bruy, Valentine Deprez, Jean-Marc Sobhy-Danial, Corinne Fauvet, Patrice Fardellone, Vincent Goëb","doi":"10.1007/s41999-025-01219-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-025-01219-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The risk of subsequent fracture is highest within 2 years of the initial fracture. This study aimed to identify risk factors for subsequent fractures in individuals aged 50 and older and compare them with those for falls, which often overlap.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We compared 150 patients with at least two fractures (2009-2019) to 150 controls with one fracture during the same period, adjusting for age, gender, and fracture site.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Univariate analysis linked subsequent fractures to history of fractures (pre-2009), excessive alcohol consumption, visual or hearing impairments, cognitive disorders, rural or nursing home residency, depressive syndrome, benzodiazepine, and hypnotic use. Multivariate analysis confirmed risks for decreased visual acuity and hypnotic use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Subsequent fracture risk is associated with falls, but not all fall risk factors increase fracture recurrence. Identifying those at risk is critical for targeted osteoporosis management within fall prevention strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":49287,"journal":{"name":"European Geriatric Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143994213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emilio Martini, Rossella Tozzi, Giulia Annessi, Laura Borgese, Maria Lia Lunardelli, Calogero Alfonso, Caternicchia Filippo, Elvira Grandone, Benilde Cosmi
{"title":"A comparison of the effects of direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists and antiplatelet agents on the timing and outcomes of hip fracture surgery in patients older than 65 years: the ORTHO-GER-DOAC study.","authors":"Emilio Martini, Rossella Tozzi, Giulia Annessi, Laura Borgese, Maria Lia Lunardelli, Calogero Alfonso, Caternicchia Filippo, Elvira Grandone, Benilde Cosmi","doi":"10.1007/s41999-025-01198-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-025-01198-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may delay surgery in older hip fracture patients.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess whether preoperative DOAC activity measurement enables surgery within 48 h in hip fracture patients at a similar prevalence compared to patients receiving other antithrombotics or no antithrombotics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective observational cohort study of hip fracture patients older than 65 years admitted to three Orthogeriatrics units in Italy from 2015 to 2022 was conducted. At admission, demographical and comorbid conditions were recorded, and antithrombotics were stopped. Patients on vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) underwent international normalized ratio (INR) assessments and received vitamin K to achieve an INR below 1.5. Patients receiving DOACs who were enrolled before 2018 underwent daily drug testing, and surgery was performed only after DOAC levels were near or below trough levels. Hours from hospital admission to surgery, perioperative total blood loss, major bleeding and mortality at 90 days were recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Amongst the 747 patients (median age 85 years; M/F: 192/555), the prevalence of surgery within 48 h was significantly lower amongst patients receiving DOACs (47%) than amongst patients receiving antiplatelet agents (77%) and patients receiving no antithrombotic agents (73%). Preoperative DOAC measurements significantly delayed the time to surgery (median 51 vs. 42 h: P < 0.05). The major bleeding and mortality rates at 90 days did not differ based on the type of antithrombotics used. The degree of perioperative blood loss was greater in patients receiving DOACs, regardless of drug measurement, than in patients taking other antithrombotics.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>DOAC measurement may delay hip fracture surgery, as even low presurgical levels of DOACs are associated with greater perioperative blood loss.</p>","PeriodicalId":49287,"journal":{"name":"European Geriatric Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144018728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ramon Monfà, Ana García-Sangenís, Rosa Morros, Carlota Manuela Zárate Sáez, Jesús Mateos-Nozal, María N Vaquero Pinto, Carmen Sáez Bejar, Elena López Pérez, Consuelo Rodríguez Jiménez, Rosa Magallón-Botaya, Priscila Matovelle, Alicia Navarro Sanmartín, Carl Llor
{"title":"The impact of a multifaceted intervention on antibiotic use for common infections in nursing homes in Spain. A before and after study.","authors":"Ramon Monfà, Ana García-Sangenís, Rosa Morros, Carlota Manuela Zárate Sáez, Jesús Mateos-Nozal, María N Vaquero Pinto, Carmen Sáez Bejar, Elena López Pérez, Consuelo Rodríguez Jiménez, Rosa Magallón-Botaya, Priscila Matovelle, Alicia Navarro Sanmartín, Carl Llor","doi":"10.1007/s41999-025-01193-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-025-01193-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a multifaceted intervention aimed at nursing home staff on antibiotic use and hygiene elements for nursing home residents with common infections.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Before-and-after study carried out in nursing homes in five areas of Spain. Nursing staff registered residents with common infections and documented hygiene practices over three months, before and after a 2-h educational intervention in autumn 2023. The intervention focused on the initial registration results, antibiotic guidelines, infection prevention, and management strategies for nursing homes. Indicators for potentially unnecessary antibiotic use and non-first-line antibiotics were developed, and results from both registration periods (Feb-Apr 2023 and Feb-Apr 2024) were compared to assess impact.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 34 nursing homes, 23 completed the intervention and the two registrations (67.6%). Staff reported 1003 infections in the first registration and 789 in the second. The overall antibiotic prescription rate was 84.6%. Potentially inappropriate antibiotic use for urinary tract infections decreased from 70.3 to 59.9% (P < 0.005) and use for respiratory infections dropped from 78.1 to 62.7% (P < 0.001), with inappropriate use decreasing from 46.3 to 31% (P < 0.001). The mean duration of antibiotics for cystitis reduced from 7 to 5.4 days (P < 0.05). The intervention had no impact on hygiene practices.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Potentially unnecessary antibiotic use was lower after the intervention, whereas hygiene practices were unchanged. A more intensive, multifaceted educational approach is needed for a greater impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":49287,"journal":{"name":"European Geriatric Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144043309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rosalinde A L Smits, Bas F M van Raaij, Steffy W M Jansen, Jessica M van der Bol, Carolien M J van der Linden, Harmke A Polinder-Bos, Hanna C Willems, Ewout W Steyerberg, Maarten van Smeden, Jacobijn Gussekloo, Simon P Mooijaart, Stella Trompet
{"title":"Validation of the acutely presenting older patient screener for short term mortality prediction in older patients hospitalized for COVID-19.","authors":"Rosalinde A L Smits, Bas F M van Raaij, Steffy W M Jansen, Jessica M van der Bol, Carolien M J van der Linden, Harmke A Polinder-Bos, Hanna C Willems, Ewout W Steyerberg, Maarten van Smeden, Jacobijn Gussekloo, Simon P Mooijaart, Stella Trompet","doi":"10.1007/s41999-025-01200-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-025-01200-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The aim of this study was to validate the acutely presenting older patient (APOP) screener, routinely used on the Emergency Department to predict risk of adverse outcomes in older people, for prediction of in-hospital mortality and 30-days-mortality in older patients hospitalized for COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients ≥ 70 years from a multicenter cohort hospitalized for COVID-19 with measured APOP risk were included. External validation analysis of the APOP screener for in-hospital mortality and 30-days-mortality was performed including discrimination and calibration.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>389 patients (median age 80 (IQR 75-85) years, 41.4% female, 138 APOP high risk) were included. APOP high risk patients more often lived institutionalized, (26% vs. 4%; p < 0.001), had more comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index 2 (1-3) vs. 2 (0-3); p = 0.002) and were less often fit (Clinical Frailty Scale 1-3 17% vs. 62%; p < 0.001). 84 patients died in hospital and 114 within 30 days. APOP high risk patients had a higher risk of in-hospital-death [OR 1.6 (95% CI 1.0-2.6)] and death within 30 days [OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.7-4.2)]. The APOP screener discriminated poorly for in-hospital mortality [AUC 0.56 (95% CI 0.48-0.63)] and for 30-days-mortality [AUC 0.62 (95% CI 0.55-0.68)]. Calibration plots revealed overestimation of the screener for both mortality risks.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The APOP screener had a poor predictive performance for in-hospital mortality and 30-days-mortality in older people hospitalized for COVID-19. Screening tools routinely used on the ED may not be useful to predict mortality in different than usual clinical circumstances such as during a pandemic of a novel disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":49287,"journal":{"name":"European Geriatric Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eliane Baião Guilhermino Alves, Alessandra Lamas Granero Lucchetti, Ariane Aparecida Almeida Barros, Sophia Queiroz de Carvalho Souza, Rick Pablo Rodrigues Rocha, Sarah Monti Almeida, Oscarina da Silva Ezequiel, Giancarlo Lucchetti
{"title":"A comprehensive investigation to examine the factors associated with previous falls, recurrent falls, and concerns about falling among outpatient older individuals: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Eliane Baião Guilhermino Alves, Alessandra Lamas Granero Lucchetti, Ariane Aparecida Almeida Barros, Sophia Queiroz de Carvalho Souza, Rick Pablo Rodrigues Rocha, Sarah Monti Almeida, Oscarina da Silva Ezequiel, Giancarlo Lucchetti","doi":"10.1007/s41999-025-01199-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-025-01199-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Although numerous studies have assessed factors associated with falls among older adults, only a few studies have comprehensively evaluated multiple dimensions that may lead to falls. This study aims to investigate in a comprehensive way factors associated with previous falls, previous recurrent falls, and concerns about falling among general geriatrics outpatients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine factors associated with falls among older outpatients in accordance with established falls guidelines. The assessment included the following dimensions: sociodemographic, habits, physical activity, sensory, environment, physical examination, cognitive function, mental health status, frailty, sleep quality, functional status, presence of diseases, medication usage, and mobility. Logistic and linear regression models were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study involved 335 older patients (78.8% women with a mean age of 74.5 years). Four out of ten had fallen in the previous year. Over half of the falls resulted in physical injuries and nearly one-third required hospital care. The main factors directly associated with falls were anxiety, visual impairment, number of medications, and environmental risk while being married and walking faster were inversely associated. As for recurrent falls, anticonvulsant use and increased depressive symptoms were directly associated with falls. At least six out of ten older outpatients feared falling, and associated factors were depressive symptoms, difficulties in climbing stairs, visual impairment, sleep problems, sedentarism behavior, hypothyroidism, hypertension and balance and gait abnormalities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Predisposing factors to falls must be identified and included in a broader approach, focused on biologic, behavioral, environmental and socioeconomic dimensions.</p>","PeriodicalId":49287,"journal":{"name":"European Geriatric Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144024240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An artificial intelligence perspective on geriatric syndromes: assessing the information accuracy and readability of ChatGPT.","authors":"Eyyup Murat Efendioglu, Ahmet Cigiloglu","doi":"10.1007/s41999-025-01202-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-025-01202-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>ChatGPT, a comprehensive language processing model, provides the opportunity for supportive and professional interactions with patients. However, its use to address patients' frequently asked questions (FAQs) and the readability of the text generated by ChatGPT remain unexplored, particularly in geriatrics. We identified the FAQs about common geriatric syndromes and assessed the accuracy and readability of the responses provided by ChatGPT.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two geriatricians with extensive knowledge and experience in geriatric syndromes independently reviewed the 28 responses provided by ChatGPT. The accuracy of the responses generated by ChatGPT was categorized on a rating scale from 0 (harmful) to 4 (excellent) based on current guidelines and approaches. The readability of the text generated by ChatGPT was assessed by administering two tests: the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease (FKRE) and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ChatGPT-generated responses with an overall mean accuracy score of 88% (3.52/4). Responses generated for sarcopenia diagnosis and depression treatment in older adults had the lowest accuracy scores (2.0 and 2.5, respectively). The mean FKRE score of the texts was 25.2, while the mean FKGL score was 14.5.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The accuracy scores of the responses generated by ChatGPT were high in most common geriatric syndromes except for sarcopenia diagnosis and depression treatment. Moreover, the text generated by ChatGPT was very difficult to read and best understood by college graduates. ChatGPT may reduce the uncertainty many patients face. Nevertheless, it remains advisable to consult with subject matter experts when undertaking consequential decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":49287,"journal":{"name":"European Geriatric Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carmelo Lafuente-Lafuente, Evany Heinichen Candia, Eric Pautas, Yonathan Freund, Bruno Oquendo, Joël Belmin
{"title":"Development of a checklist for systematic screening of precipitating factors in older patients admitted to hospital with delirium.","authors":"Carmelo Lafuente-Lafuente, Evany Heinichen Candia, Eric Pautas, Yonathan Freund, Bruno Oquendo, Joël Belmin","doi":"10.1007/s41999-025-01191-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-025-01191-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Causes of delirium are often multiple in older people and a significant number of them are missed at the initial assessment. We wanted to develop a checklist to help clinicians to systematically screen for the most frequent and important causes of delirium in this population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Three investigators, based on previous studies, drafted three possible checklist base models, comprising 18-29 items. A panel of 12 experts voted to choose one of the models, and then followed a modified Delphi consensus method to review each item and further develop the checklist. The consensus checklist was then tested in a small group of patients. The target population was older patients with delirium arriving to the emergency department or to a medical hospital ward.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The longest of the three drafts was unanimously chosen by the panel. After three rounds, a consensus was reached and a final checklist agreed. It is composed by 27 items organized in five groups of causes: infections, hydro-electrolytic disturbances, drugs, acute neurological conditions, and other acute diseases. A pilot study conducted by 15 physicians in 21 consecutive patients showed that the checklist was easy to complete, quick (mean 4 min) and most clinicians, though it helped them through the initial diagnostic work.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We have developed and pilot tested a checklist for screening for acute precipitants of delirium in older patients, aimed to facilitate early recognition and treatment of the multiple causes that often coexists in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":49287,"journal":{"name":"European Geriatric Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144056612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ruqayyah Y Turabi, Matthew D L O'Connell, David Wyatt, Chris Bretherton, Simon Cannon, Celia L Gregson, Iain Moppett, Lynn McNicoll, Katie Jane Sheehan
{"title":"Weight-bearing and mobilisation timing after hip fracture surgery in older adults: an international survey of clinicians' perspectives.","authors":"Ruqayyah Y Turabi, Matthew D L O'Connell, David Wyatt, Chris Bretherton, Simon Cannon, Celia L Gregson, Iain Moppett, Lynn McNicoll, Katie Jane Sheehan","doi":"10.1007/s41999-025-01205-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-025-01205-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This exploratory study aimed to describe international variations in mobilisation timing and weight-bearing after hip fracture surgery, focusing on differences between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and identify the possible reasons for these variations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This international cross-sectional study was administered through an online, English-language, self-reported questionnaire. Healthcare professionals from various multidisciplinary teams were invited to participate via professional organisations, including the Fragility Fracture Network, social media, and through snowballing from key individual stakeholders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 389 healthcare professionals from 71 countries participated in the survey. Among them, 72.5% prescribed mobilisation the day after surgery, higher in HICs (79.1%) than LMICs (56.3%). Of those who prescribed early mobilisation, 38.3% achieved it 76-100% of the time, more frequently in HICs (42.9%) than LMICs (21.9%). Additionally, 73.5% prescribed unrestricted weight-bearing, also more common in HICs (86.3%) than LMICs (41%). For those who prescribed unrestricted weight-bearing, 50.4% achieved it 76-100% of the time, with HICs at 54.0% and LMICs at 31.9%. Multiple patient-related, process-related, and structure-related barriers were reported, with structure-related barriers more common in LMICs than HICs, underscoring the global complexities in implementing these practices.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study offers insights into global variations in the timing of mobilisation and weight-bearing after hip fracture surgery in older adults. It reveals disparities in postoperative services and resources between HICs and LMICs. Additionally, it establishes a foundation for future research and underscores the importance of international collaboration and knowledge sharing in enhancing postoperative care services.</p>","PeriodicalId":49287,"journal":{"name":"European Geriatric Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144055993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What determines gait speed in community-living older adults? A relative weight analysis.","authors":"Feng Yang","doi":"10.1007/s41999-025-01208-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s41999-025-01208-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Slower gait is prevalent in older adults. Multiple factors contribute to the slowness in older adults. However, whether these factors affect gait speed similarly or differently remains unknown. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the relative importance of eight modifiable factors (body mass index, leg muscle strength, power, dorsiflexion range of motion, tactile sensation, balance, fear of falling, and cognition) affecting gait speed in community-living older adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eighty-five community-living older adults (mean ± standard deviation age: 72.3 ± 5.5 years; 51 females and 34 males) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. A motion capture system assessed their gait speed. Those eight factors that could slow gait speed in older adults were also evaluated. A multiple linear regression model and relative weight analysis were utilized to determine the relative importance of each factor in contributing to the gait speed variation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All eight factors were significantly correlated with the gait speed. Together, they accounted for about 50% of the observed variation in gait speed. Six factors (body mass index, strength, power, range of motion, balance, and fear of falling) each explained a statistically significant portion of the gait speed variation. The most important factor was the leg muscle power (relative weight = 0.124), contributing 25.2% of the explained speed variation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Leg muscle power could be a principal factor determining gait speed in older adults. Other factors also significantly influence gait speed in this population. The findings could guide prioritizing actions to improve gait speed in older individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":49287,"journal":{"name":"European Geriatric Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144028081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}