Physical performance and negative events in very old adults: a longitudinal study examining the ilSIRENTE cohort

Declining physical performance in old age is associated with a wide range of negative health-related outcomes. However, it is unclear which physical capabilities should be prioritized to obtain prognostic information in older adults.

To examine the associations between the performance on several physical function tests and falls, disability, and death in a well-characterized sample of very old Italian adults.

This was a prospective cohort study of older adults who lived in the mountain community of the Sirente geographic area in Central Italy. Physical performance was assessed using isometric handgrip strength (IHG), walking speed (WS) at a usual and fast pace, 5-time sit-to-stand test (5STS), and sit-to-stand power measures. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass was estimated from calf circumference using a validated equation. History of falls, incident falls, and disability status according to basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) were recorded over two years. Survival status was obtained from the participants' general practitioners and was confirmed by the National Death Registry over 10 years from enrolment. Linear, binary, and Cox regressions were performed to evaluate the association between physical performance measures and health outcomes.

The mean age of the 255 participants was 84.2 ± 5.1 years, and 161 (63.1%) were women. Logistic regression indicated that IHG was significantly associated with incident ADL disability, whereas specific sit-to-stand muscle power was an independent predictor of death. No significant associations were observed between physical function and falls.

Our findings indicate selective associations between physical function tests and the occurrence of negative events in very old adults, with poor IHG predicting disability and specific sit-to-stand muscle power being longitudinally associated with death.