The Association Between Multidimensional Frailty and Perceived Physical Activity Barriers In Low-Active Older Adults:...

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between multidimensional frailty and perceived physical activity barriers in low-active older adults.

This cross-sectional study included low-active individuals aged over 65 years. Frailty status, physical activity level, and perceived physical activity barriers were evaluated through face-to-face interviews. Frailty status was assessed using the Tilburg Frailty Index, which evaluates frailty from a multidimensional perspective. The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly was used to evaluate physical activity status, and the Physical Activity Barriers Scale for Elderly was used to assess perceived physical activity barriers. The association between physical activity barriers and multidimensional frailty was evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

Of the 492 older individuals examined, 235 met the inclusion criteria (Mage = 74.9 [6.2] years, 55.3% female). Being unmarried (odds ratio: 2.415, 95% CI [1.07, 5.452], p = .034), having a lower educational level (odds ratio: 2.899, 95% CI [1.537, 5.47], p = .001), and having a higher score on the Physical Activity Barriers Scale for Elderly (odds ratio: 1.05, 95% CI [1.01, 1.091], p = .014) were identified as risk factors for multidimensional frailty in low-active older adults.

In low-active older adults, perceived physical activity barriers were associated with multidimensional frailty.

Assessing perceived physical activity barriers in low-active older adults may be useful for developing interventions aimed at reducing multidimensional frailty.