Factors predicting two-step test performance: Balance, gait speed, and fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults

Authors

  • Pakwipa Julphunthong Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University
  • Jennista Arrayatophong Department: Social medicine, Sawanpracharak Hospital
  • Netchanok Damsorn Rehabilitation medicine group, Suratthani hospital
  • Yingthip Aryingoen Department: Rehabilitation Medicine, Sampran Hospital
  • Waroonnapa Srisoparb Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University
  • Paravee Musikarat Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University

Keywords:

Physical performance, Two-step test score, Elderly, Timed up and go test

Abstract

A walking cycle consists of two consecutive steps, which requires balance control and influences gait speed. The Two-Step Test is used to assess maximum stride, which may reflect balance ability, gait speed, and fear of falling. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between Two-Step Test and dynamic balance, gait speed, and fear of falling, as well as to identify factors predicting Two-Step Test in community-dwelling older adults. A total of 45 participants with an average aged 66.80 ± 6.52 years were assessed using the Two-Step Test, Timed Up and Go (TUG), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), and the Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Correlation analyses were conducted between Two-Step Test outcomes (length of two-step and two-step test score) and TUG, 10MWT, and FES-I scores. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of Two-Step Test using TUG, 10MWT, and FES-I as independent variables. The results showed that both length of two-step and two-step test score were significantly correlated at low to moderate levels with TUG (rs = -0.441, p-value < 0.002), 10MWT (rs = 0.399, p-value < 0.007), and FES-I scores (rs = -0.363, p-value < 0.014). TUG was the only significant predictor of both length of two-step (Beta weight = -2.816) and two-step test score (Beta weight = -0.017). The regression models explained 23.60% (R² = 0.236, p-value < 0.001) and 21.00% (R² = 0.210, p-value < 0.001), respectively. In conclusion, the Two-Step Test can reflect dynamic balance ability in community-dwelling older adults.

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Published

2026-04-30

How to Cite

1.
Julphunthong P, Arrayatophong J, Damsorn N, Aryingoen Y, Srisoparb W, Musikarat P. Factors predicting two-step test performance: Balance, gait speed, and fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults. Health Sci Tech Rev [internet]. 2026 Apr. 30 [cited 2026 May 3];19(1):111-22. available from: https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/journalup/article/view/269979

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2026): January – April 2026

Section

Research articles

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