Association between 6-month changes in 4-m usual gait time and social function domain score among community-dwelling older adults: a secondary analysis of a community-based program.

The study was observational, so it cannot show that slower walking caused worse social function or vice versa. The regression adjusted only for age and sex. Other factors such as health, environment, psychosocial issues, and baseline values could explain the association. Change-score analysis can be affected by baseline values and regression to the mean. Many participants had high baseline physical function scores, especially on SPPB and gait subscores. This left little room to measure decline. The social function domain score was a screening-based four-item measure. It was not a comprehensive assessment of social relationships or participation. The sample was mostly older women who already attended community salons. Results may not apply to more isolated, frailer, or male older adults. The model explained only 9.3% of the variation in social score change. Usual gait time is not a strong predictor on its own.

The authors received no funding and declared no conflict of interest.

Do not conclude that improving usual walking speed will improve social function. The study only found that changes in 4-m usual gait time and social function domain scores were associated over 6 months; it did not test whether one caused the other.