Author(s): MBULI, A., GALLAGHER, I.1, DIAS-SCOON, M., RICHARDS, J., KALIARNTAS, K.1, Institution: EDINBURGH NAPIER UNIVERSITY, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 683

INTRODUCTION:
Physical function assessments play a crucial role in clinical practice, serving as key indicators of an individuals health status. However, despite their established significance and their association with quality of life and morbidity, these assessments often lack consideration of an individuals race and ethnicity. Race is a sociocultural categorization with shared physical characteristics that influences lives, experiences, perceptions, and health. Ethnicity, on the other hand, is a classification based on familial origins and shared cultural, traditional, and familial bonds and experiences. Given the physiological variations associated with different races/ethnicities, understanding the potential impact on functional movement is essential for accurate health assessments. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and synthesise the relevant literature examining differences among ethnically and racially diverse groups in the assessment of physical function, including measures such as gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and grip strength.
METHODS:
A comprehensive search strategy was applied using keywords such as: Gait, Walking, Ethnic, Race differences, Physical activity, Physical function. The search covered five databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Medline, and SportDiscus. Only English language publications, and all study designs were included. Independent screening by two reviewers resulted in the inclusion of thirty-five studies meeting the specified criteria.
RESULTS:
Studies commonly used the terms “race” and “ethnicity” interchangeably, with only few providing a clear operational definition for each term. In 86% of those focusing on gait speed, significant differences were found between ethnically diverse groups. Black participants consistently exhibited slower walking speeds than White participants, with Whites consistently outpacing other races/ethnicities. Methodological inconsistencies were noted in assessing walking speed, with variations in reporting approaches. Studies that examined grip strength revealed significant racial disparities in performance levels, with Blacks more often in lower SPPB performance categories. Grip strength variations further highlighted racial and ethnic disparities in physical function.
CONCLUSION:
This review highlights the importance of considering racial and ethnic differences in the interpretation of different physical function assessments. The multidimensional nature of racial and ethnic differences is evident. This can have significant implications for clinical practice and indicates the need for development of normative datasets for racially and ethnically diverse populations.