This study examined the use of the hip walking (HW) distance test as a physical performance parameter, and investigated the association between HW distance and strength, balance, and gait speed in the elderly. The study involved 106 community-dwelling elderly individuals (mean age 75.4 years). Participants performed the following physical performance tests: the HW distance test, the functional reach test (FRT), and tests for knee extensor strength, trunk extensor, and flexor strength, and 5 m maximum gait speed. For the HW distance test, participants were asked to move forward as fast as possible from the starting position with legs stretched out forwards and arms folded across the chest. Trunk rotation with lifting of the ischium was permitted during HW. The distances between right lateral malleoli was measured for HW distances of 10 seconds. To assess the test–retest reliability of HW, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated from two trials. Pearson’s correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used to examine the association between HW and physical performance using adjusted variables such as age, sex, and body mass index. ICC (1.1) for the test–retest reliability of HW was 0.95. HW was significantly associated with all physical performance tests according to Pearson’s correlation analysis (trunk flexor strength, r = 0.31; trunk extensor strength, r = 0.31; knee extensor strength, r = 0.29; FRT, r = 0.29; gait speed, r = 0.45). In linear regression analyses, HW distance scores were found to be significant determinants of each physical performance parameter. HW influenced physical performance by affecting muscle strength, balance, and gait ability. HW can be easily and safely performed on a floor or platform without the risk of falling. These results indicate that HW is a safe, simple, and reliable method for the assessment of physical performance in the elderly.
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