Age-related changes in physical functioning: correlates between objective and self-reported outcomes

Abstract

11Objectives: Firstly, to quantify the variance attributable to age and estimate annual decline in 12 physical function and self-reported health using a battery of outcome measures in healthy older 13 females. Secondly, to determine whether self-reported functional losses are similar to those 14 measured objectively and which best represent overall physical capacity. Results: Using a cross-sectional approach, annual declines were estimated for: TUG time (2.1%); 24 gait speed (1.2%); knee extensor (2.2%) and flexor moments (3.0%); and self-reported Physical 25 Functioning (0.9-1.2%) (p≤.001). Linear regression indicated that age explained moderate variance 26 in the objective (R²=21-34%) and self-reported (R²=14-28%) outcomes. TUG time and gait speed 27 was significantly correlated with all objective outcomes except sit-to-stand (r=0.46-0.83) and most 28 of the self-reported (r=0.10-0.63) outcomes (p<.01).

Association between somatosensory, visual and vestibular contributions to postural control, reactive balance capacity and healthy ageing in older women

“…The study was approved by the NHS Local Research Ethics Committee (Ref:08-H1305-91). Further information regarding the functional capacity of this sample has been published previously (Alcock, O'Brien, & Vanicek, 2015).…”

Impairment and activity limitation changes in assisted living facility residents over the course of one year- A pilot study

“…In conclusion, research has shown that changes in function occur with aging and have been associated with decline in quality of life [6]. This study demonstrates that there is a development of clinical impairments and a single activity limitation measure that was tested in ALF residents over the course of a year.…”

“…In the elderly population, a combination of psychological and physical changes diminishes the ability of these individuals to complete daily tasks [6]. When an individual demonstrates decreased ability to complete functional tasks, a routine of sedentary behavior and task avoidance develops leading to a poorer quality of life [6].…”

Assessment of female sexual function and quality of life among breast cancer survivors who underwent hormone therapy

“…It is speculated a higher prevalence of functional impairment in young women. An explanation for this influence is justified since the young woman realizes more about the impact of cancer treatment due to her being more socially active and having more functional independence with regard to driving, carrying objects and preparing food, than an elderly woman 34 . In addition, it is important to emphasize the importance given by these women to the breast as a symbol of femininity, sexuality, maternity and body image 34 .…”

“…An explanation for this influence is justified since the young woman realizes more about the impact of cancer treatment due to her being more socially active and having more functional independence with regard to driving, carrying objects and preparing food, than an elderly woman 34 . In addition, it is important to emphasize the importance given by these women to the breast as a symbol of femininity, sexuality, maternity and body image 34 . Unlike the present study, Dialla et al reported that older women present more fatigue, functional losses and muscle weakness associated with symptoms such as emotional instability, loneliness, mental fragility and lack of social support when compared to young women 36 .…”