[The relationships between the basic checklist score, physical function, and improvement in physical function]

The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship between a screening score for frailty in the elderly, the Basic checklist, and physical function, and to investigate the factors associated with the effects of exercise intervention in community-dwelling frail elderly in Japan.

We enrolled 44 subjects aged 65 years and older (average age 73.9 ± 5.1) in this study. The subjects participated in exercise intervention, including high-intensity muscle strength training, twice a week for three months. The Basic checklist and functional performance measures (walking ability, balance functions, flexibility, leg strength), psychological tests (Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Modified Fall Efficacy Scale (MFES), and health-related quality of life test (SF-8)) were administered at the start and end of the intervention. We evaluated the correlation between the Basic checklist and other measurements at baseline. In addition, we evaluated any relationships between the Basic checklist and improvements in physical function. We used partial correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate those relationships.

The Basic checklist was significantly correlated with GDS, functional reach and one leg standing measurements at baseline. Functional performance measures were significantly improved after exercise intervention. Although there were weak negative relationships between the basic checklist and the amount of change in functional reach tests, we could not find a relationship between the Basic checklist and the improvement of physical function.

These results suggest that there was little relation between the Basic checklist and physical functions, in particular the improvement of physical functions. Therefore, we should consider how we can assess the improvement of physical function. These results strongly support the need to assess physical function before exercise intervention.