[Frailty and Physical Function Performance of Elderly Outpatients With Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health issue in Taiwan, with the number of patients aged 65 and older receiving dialysis increasing annually. Early identification of frailty in older patients with CKD is crucial for delaying the onset of disability.

This study was designed to explore the frailty status, physical function performance, and risk factors of older adult outpatients with CKD who have yet to receive dialysis.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 191 older adult patients with CKD in an outpatient care setting. The tools used to collect data included a basic patient information datasheet, clinical frailty scale, physical function performance instruments (a MicroFET 2 handheld dynamometer, grip strength dynamometer, and five-time sit-to-stand test), and the timed up and go test.

Over half (57.07%) of the participants were rated as frail, with assignment to the frail group significantly influenced by age (p < .001) and CKD severity (p = .008). The frailty group exhibited significantly poorer upper and lower limb muscle strength and functional strength as well as a higher fall risk than the non-frail group. Age, gender, and physical function (including grip strength, biceps strength, quadriceps strength, five-time sit-to-stand time, and the average of three timed up and go test results) were all found to correlate with frailty severity and were important risk factors, explaining 47.7% of the total variance.

Frailty is a prevalent and critical issue among older adults with CKD. Clinical healthcare professionals should conduct routine frailty screening and physical function performance evaluations in this population. Implementing appropriate self-management strategies and prescribing simple, individualized exercise programs may help maintain health and prevent further functional decline in elderly CKD patients.