A physical therapy mobility checkup is feasible with annual wellness visits in primary care

IMPORTANCE: Screening older adults for mobility disability and preclinical mobility limitation does not routinely occur. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to: (1) determine the feasibility of implementing a preventive physical therapy mobility checkup in primary care and (2) determine if 1 mobility checkup shifts the self-efficacy of older adults for meeting activity recommendations. DESIGN/SETTING: A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample was conducted at 1 primary care clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N = 80) were, on average, 73.4 years (range 65-92) and 61.3% female. INTERVENTIONS: A 15-min mobility checkup consisted of (1) self-reported activity and mobility, (2) testing with the Short Physical Performance Battery, including gait speed and the 5 Times Sit to Stand Test; (3) education about results; and (4) recommendations. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Twelve feasibility criteria were established a priori and evaluated after study completion. The feasibility criteria evaluated acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, and feasibility of the mobility checkup. Shifts in the retrospective pre-post self-efficacy for exercise (SEE) surveys were evaluated descriptively. RESULTS: Ten of 12 feasibility criteria were met. The total mean retrospective pre-SEE survey score was 6.39 (SD = 2.54) and the total mean post-SEE survey score was 7.61 (SD = 1.97). There were 62 positive shifts, 3 negative, and 14 unchanged with the retrospective pre-post SEE survey. CONCLUSIONS: A mobility checkup in primary care is feasible and may increase the self-efficacy of older adults for meeting activity guidelines. RELEVANCE: Routine physical therapy mobility checkups in primary care offer a promising strategy to optimize health outcomes for older adults.