Annika Hellzén Ingemarsson ^A1, Kerstin Frändin ^A2, Dan Mellstro ^A2, Margareta Möller ^A3
A1 Department of Physiotherapy, Mölndal, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and the Department of Geriatric Medicine, Göteborg University, Sweden
^A2 Department of Geriatric Medicine, Göteborg University, Sweden
^A3 Department of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Sweden

DOI: 10.1080/16501970306113

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate which variables can predict walking ability and activity level 1 year after hip fracture and to describe changes over time regarding functional capacity. Subjects: One hundred and fifty-seven patients (111 women, 46 men), mean age 80. 9 (SD 9. 5) years, operated on for hip fracture, and able to participate either fully or to some extent in performance tests approximately 1 week after operation were included. Due to high mortality and fragility, only 57 patients participated in the 1-year follow-up. Design and methods: The patients were tested at discharge regarding physical performance, pain and bone mineral density. Status before fracture was evaluated by means of interview. At the 1-year follow-up, patients were also asked about their activities outside the home. A stepwise logistic regression was used for prediction. Results: The patients had a significantly faster walking speed and better balance function after 1 year than before. The test "Timed up and go" was a strong predictor for both walking ability and activity level 1 year after hip fracture. Knowledge about the patient's walking habits outdoors before hip fracture and the degree of independent walking before hip fracture strengthened the prediction.