Effects of a Physical Therapist Intervention on GPS Indicators of Community Mobility in Older Adults: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

The authors compared the effects of a standard strength and endurance intervention with a standard plus timing and coordination training intervention on community mobility measured using global positioning systems (GPS) among community-dwelling older adults in this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized to a standard or a standard plus timing and coordination training program. Community mobility was measured using the Life Space Assessment (LSA) and GPS indicators of community mobility at baseline, as well as at 12 (immediately after the intervention), 24, and 36weeks. Linear mixed models were used for analysis. There were 166 participants with GPS data at baseline, including 81 in the standard plus group and 85 in the standard group. The groups did not differ in participant characteristics or GPS measures at baseline. There were no significant within-group changes in GPS indicators of community mobility or LSA score over time, nor between-group differences of the same. There were no significant changes in community mobility with either intervention or between-intervention differences. These findings suggest that interventions targeting physical function alone may not be sufficient to improve community mobility or participation in older adults. Future research should focus on the development of multifaceted interventions targeted to improve real-world participation. The studied interventions did not significantly change community mobility measured using GPS-derived community mobility measures or self-report measures in older adults, suggesting that more comprehensive interventions may be needed to target improvements in community mobility.