Predictors of Upper-Extremity Physical Function in Older Adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Limited understanding of physical exercise and diet's impact on older adults' upper-extremity function.
• Need to assess the relationship between lifestyle factors and upper-extremity function/pain in seniors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association of general physical activity and diet with upper-extremity physical function and pain intensity in adults aged 50+.
• To identify key factors influencing upper-extremity function and pain in older adults.

Main Methods:

• 111 participants aged 50+ completed surveys on demographics, physical activity (RAPA), diet (Mediterranean), pain intensity, and PROMIS measures (Pain Interference, Upper-Extremity Physical Function, Depression).
• Multivariable linear regression analysis was employed to model associations between physical activity, diet, depression, pain interference, pain intensity, and upper-extremity function.

Main Results:

• Higher physical activity correlated with better upper-extremity function and lower pain intensity in bivariate analyses.
• Mediterranean diet adherence did not show a significant correlation with upper-extremity function or pain intensity.
• In multivariable analyses, male sex, non-traumatic diagnosis, and PROMIS Pain Interference were associated with higher upper-extremity function. PROMIS Pain Interference explained 37% of the variability.
• Fewer years of education and higher PROMIS Pain Interference were associated with greater pain intensity.

Conclusions:

• Pain interference appears to be a more significant factor in upper-extremity physical function than general physical activity or diet in older adults.
• While physical activity shows some association, pain interference is a primary driver of functional limitations and pain intensity in this demographic.