Minimal detectable change in handgrip strength and usual and maximum gait speed scores in community-dwelling Japanese older adults requiring long-term care/support

Abstract

Aging is an important issue in Japan that has led to a large number of older adults requiring long-term care/support. Therefore, we determined the range of measurement error in the measurement of handgrip strength and gait speed which are representative tests. This cross-sectional study included 111 community-dwelling Japanese older adults aged ≥65 years who required long-term care/support and underwent ambulatory rehabilitation. Handgrip strength and usual and maximum gait speed were measured on two days in one single week. Minimal detectable change (MDC) was calculated. The MDC in handgrip strength was 2.9 kg for the overall population, 3.2 kg for the male participants, and 2.4 kg for the female participants. For the overall population, the MDC in usual gait speed was 0.18 m/s and that in maximum gait speed was 0.23 m/s. These MDCs are expected to be suitable for judging clinical changes because this study considered gender and typical tests.