Select physical performance measures and driving outcomes in older adults

Abstract

BackgroundImproving physical functioning may be a future intervention to keep older adults driving safely longer as it can help maintain both physical and cognitive health longer. This systematic review assesses the evidence on the association between three physical functioning measures: the Short Physical Performance Battery, the Timed Up-and-Go test, and the Rapid Pace Walk with driving outcomes in older adults.MethodsOlder adult studies published between 1994 and 2015 that included the Short Physical Performance Battery, the Timed Up-and-Go test, or the Rapid Pace Walk as a measure of physical functioning and included a driving-related outcome were identified through a comprehensive search and reviewed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.ResultsThirteen studies involving 5,313 older adults met the inclusion criteria. Lower Short Physical Performance Battery scores were associated with reduced driving exposure and increased cessation in all three Short Physical Performance Battery studies. The Timed Up-and-Go test was not associated with the driving outcomes (cessation, ability, crashes, and citations) in either of the two Timed Up-and-Go studies. Poorer Rapid Pace Walk scores were associated with decreased driving ability in two studies and with reduced driving exposure in one study, but not associated with driving ability, crashes, citations, or cessation in the remaining five Rapid Pace Walk studies.ConclusionsThe Timed Up-and-Go test measure appears not to be a useful measure of physical functioning for the driving outcomes included here. The Rapid Pace Walk may be useful in studies of driving ability and exposure. More driving studies should consider using the Short Physical Performance Battery to determine if it may be useful as a risk factor assessment for identifying individuals at risk of certain driving outcomes.

The Predictors of Driving Cessation among Older Drivers in Korea

“…The results showed that older adults who had difficulty climbing stairs as an indicator of lower extremity function were 1.50 times more likely to stop driving. Changes in muscle strength and flexibility affect changes in muscle length of the lower extremity musculature [ 43 ] and lead to a decrease in lower extremity function, eventually increasing the DC rate [ 44 ]. Therefore, the assessment of physical function, such as lower extremity function, is required to determine the need for DC.…”

Fatores associados à velocidade da marcha em idosos submetidos aos exames para habilitação veicular

“…This aspect reinforces the relevance of identifying and proposing actions to elderly drivers with reduced GS. Improvement of physical functioning (GS and muscle strength) should be the focus of interventions for helping the elderly to maintain a safe driving ( 43 ) .…”

Car Accidents Associated with Physical Frailty and Cognitive Impairment

“…Successful aging and physical function contribute to both driving safety and cognitive function [5]. Mielenz et al [8] reviewed 13 studies on physical function and driving outcomes, including driving ability, cessation, and car crashes. They suggested that the short physical performance battery score – a comprehensive tool for assessing physical function [9] – is useful to assess the risk of driving outcomes, while simple mobility tests such as the Timed Up and Go test are not useful [8].…”

“…Mielenz et al [8] reviewed 13 studies on physical function and driving outcomes, including driving ability, cessation, and car crashes. They suggested that the short physical performance battery score – a comprehensive tool for assessing physical function [9] – is useful to assess the risk of driving outcomes, while simple mobility tests such as the Timed Up and Go test are not useful [8]. The evaluation of frailty also covers comprehensively and commonly included physical functions such as the Cardiovascular Health Study index [10].…”