Factors Associated with Performance-based Physical Function of Older Veterans of the PLAAF: A Pilot Study

[Purpose] This study investigated the factors associated with performance-based physical function of older veterans of the People's Liberation Army Air Force of China (PLAAF). [Subjects and Methods] A cross-sectional survey of 146 older veterans of the PLAAF was carried out. Their physical function was measured using the Chinese Mini-Physical Performance Testing (CM-PPT). The demographics and health status (including physical measures, blood chemical tests, chronic diseases, and number of morbidities) were collected from health examination reports and computer records of case history. Cognition was measured using the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). [Results] In multiple linear regressions, age, MMSE, Parkinsonism, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were independently associated with CM-PPT, while previous stroke and albumin level reached borderline statistical significance. The association between the number of morbidities and CM-PPT was significant after adjustment for MMSE and demographics. The CM-PPT of low (0 or 1), medium (2 to 4) and high count (5 or more) morbidities were 11.3±3.9, 10.2±4.1, 6.1±3.8 respectively, and the difference among these three groups was significant. [Conclusion] Some modified conditions and the number of chronic diseases might be associated with the physical function of older veterans of the PLAAF.