Cognitive status and ambulation in geriatric rehabilitation: Walking without thinking?

Robert A. Ruchinskas, Hedy K. Singer, Nancy K. Repetz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To assess the relation between cognitive and ambulatory abilities in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. Study Design: Survey study of geriatric cohorts. Setting: Inpatient university hospital rehabilitation unit. Patients: One hundred fifty urban geriatric rehabilitation patients with orthopedic, neurologic, or medical diagnoses. Main Outcome Measures: Functional Independence Measure(TM) (FIM), Mattis Dementia Rating Scale, Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination. Results: Both cognitive measures predicted admission and discharge total FIM scores, continence status, and activities of daily living (ADL) scores. Neither measure could predict admission or discharge FIM ambulation scores better than demographic variables. Conclusion: While cognitive status affects the overall rehabilitation course and ultimate functional status of the geriatric patient, it does not predict walking or stair climbing ability. (C) 2000 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1224-1228
Number of pages5
JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume81
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2000

Keywords

  • Cognition disorders
  • Geriatrics
  • Rehabilitation
  • Walking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cognitive status and ambulation in geriatric rehabilitation: Walking without thinking?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this