Evaluation of an Outpatient Rehabilitative Program to Address Mobility Limitations Among Older Adults.

There was no untreated control group, so the study cannot show that the program caused the observed changes. Outcome analyses were limited to the 116 patients who completed treatment; 147 participated and 31 of them did not complete, and 119 of 266 referred patients were never engaged. One unblinded physical therapist provided all care and assessments, so assessment bias is possible. The 6-minute walk test was added after the program started, so 29 patients have missing 6-minute walk data. Long-term effects, fall rates, fall-related injuries, and disability onset were not measured. The program included many components at once, including behavioral change, home or community exercise, endurance, strength, leg speed, balance, flexibility, and dual-task training, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated. Patients who did not complete treatment had poorer baseline function and more falls, so the analysed completers may not represent the referred population. Some program features may not be feasible in all clinics, such as physiatrist availability, session duration, or equipment limitations.

The authors report that financial disclosure statements were obtained and no conflicts of interest were reported.

Do not conclude that this outpatient program caused the mobility gains. The study had no untreated comparison group, analysed only the 116 patients who completed treatment, and delivered behavioral change, home or community exercise, endurance, strength, leg speed, balance, flexibility, and dual-task training together, so the effect of any single component cannot be separated.