Association between physical performance characteristics and independence in activities of daily living in middle-aged and elderly men

Abstract

Aim: Functional status at one moment in time is a determinant of future functional status and survival. Physical deterioration tends to occur early in the disabling process; however, etiological questions remain. This study investigated the association between physical performance characteristics and functioning independently in middle-aged and elderly men.

Methods: A total of 400 independently-living men aged 40-80 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Preservation of function was measured using the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire. Physical characteristics were muscle strength and power by dynamometer, lung function, lower extremity function by physical performance score, and physical activity by Voorrips-questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between potential determinants and the dichotomized Health Assessment Questionnaire score. The odds ratios (OR) were adjusted for age, body mass index, education, socioeconomic status, smoking, alcohol and number of chronic diseases.

Results: After adjustment for confounders, higher walking speed (OR = 2.96, 95% CI 1.31-6.72) and shorter time to carry out the chair stand test (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.76-0.94) were associated with a higher probability of being independent in activities of daily living (ADL). Borderline significant associations were found for higher lung function and higher leg strength with higher probability of being independent in ADL. No associations were found for grip strength, physical performance score, standing balance and physical activity.

Conclusion: Lower body function and lung function were associated with a higher probability of being independent in ADL.