Vitality index predicts walking independence in patients with hip fracture: A retrospective study

This study aimed to determine if the vitality index predicts walking independence in inpatients with hip fractures and calculate a cutoff value. This retrospective cohort study included inpatients with hip fracture (N = 133). Logistic regression analysis was performed with walking independence at discharge and vitality index as the dependent and independent variables, respectively, and age, Berg balance scale (BBS), knee extension muscle strength, and revised Hasegawa's dementia scale at admission as covariates. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the cutoff value. Logistic regression analysis showed that the vitality index at admission was significantly associated with walking independence at discharge, even after adjusting for covariates (P < .01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.82, and the cutoff value of the vitality index at admission was 6.5 points (sensitivity, 78%; specificity, 83%). Our results suggest that the vitality index at admission can be used to predict walking independence in inpatients with hip fractures. In particular, the vitality index score ≥ 7 points at admission is a convenient index for predicting walking independence.