Predictive Validity of Motor Fitness and Flexibility Tests in Adults and Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Motor fitness and flexibility have been linked to several health issues. We aimed to investigate the predictive validity of motor fitness and flexibility tests in relation to health outcomes in adults and older adults. Web of Science and PubMed databases were screened for studies published from inception to November 2020. Two authors systematically searched, evaluated, and extracted data from identified original studies and systematic reviews/meta-analysis. Three levels of evidence were constructed: strong, moderate, and limited/inconclusive evidence. In total, 1182 studies were identified, and 70 studies and 6 systematic reviews/meta-analysis were summarized. Strong evidence indicated that (i) slower gait speed predicts falls and institutionalization/hospitalization in adults over 60 years old, cognitive decline/impairment over 55 years old, mobility disability over 50 years old, disability in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) over 54 years old, cardiovascular disease risk over 45 years old, and all-cause mortality over 35 years old; (ii) impaired balance predicts falls and disability in IADL/mobility disability in adults over 40 years old and all-cause mortality over 53 years old; (iii) worse timed up&go test (TUG) predicts falls and fear of falling over 40 years old. Evidence supports that slower gait speed, impaired balance, and worse TUG performance are significantly associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes in adults.

The bidirectional relationship between brain structure and physical activity: a cohort study in the UK Biobank

“…Another possible explanation for this could be that not only time dedicated to walking matters but also the way older people walk. In this line, a recent systematic review concluded strong evidence indicated that slower gait speed predicts higher cognitive decline in older people 43 . Overall, further studies are needed to investigate the reasons walking was negatively associated with white matter volume in older adults.…”

Feasibility and Safety of Field-Based Physical Fitness Test: A Systematic Review

“…Moreover, cardiorespiratory tness and muscular strength are inversely associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases [7], obesity [8], diabetes [9], different types of cancer [10,11], cognitive impairment [12], mental health [13], bone health [14] and a predictor of all-cause of mortality and cardiovascular disease-related mortality [15,16] in adults and older adults. Regarding motor tness, evidence supports that slower gait speed, worse agility and impaired balance are signi cantly associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, such as falls and fear of falling, mobility disability, CVD risk or all-cause mortality in adult and older adults [17]. Based on this evidence, the assessment of physical tness in all ages is relevant from a public health point of view.…”