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A Training Program Using an Agility Ladder for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Published on: March 7, 2020
Relationship between physical functioning and physical activity in the lifestyle interventions and independence for
Angela Chalé-Rush1, Jack M Guralnik, Michael P Walkup
1Nutrition, Exercise Physiology and Sarcopenia Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|August 27, 2010
Summary
Regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is linked to better physical function in older adults. Factors like age, BMI, and depressive symptoms also impact mobility, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to prevent mobility disability.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Physical function declines with age, increasing mobility disability risk in older adults.
- Identifying factors associated with physical function is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and physical function in older adults.
- To identify sociodemographic, psychosocial, and disease-related factors influencing physical function.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 424 older adults (70-89 years) at risk for mobility disability.
- Assessed MVPA, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores, 400-m walk test, age, sex, BMI, depressive symptoms, and medication count.
Main Results:
- Minutes of MVPA positively correlated with SPPB scores and negatively with 400-m walk time.
- Multiple regression revealed age, MVPA, depressive symptoms, and medication count associated with SPPB.
- Age, sex, MVPA, BMI, and medication count associated with 400-m walk performance.
Conclusions:
- MVPA, age, sex, BMI, depressive symptoms, and number of medications are significant predictors of physical function.
- These factors are important considerations for developing strategies to prevent mobility disability in older populations.
