Factors associated with lower gait speed among the elderly living in a developing country: a cross-sectional population-based study

Abstract

BackgroundAmong community-dwelling older adults, mean values for gait speed vary substantially depending not only on the population studied, but also on the methodology used. Despite the large number of studies published in developed countries, there are few population-based studies in developing countries with socioeconomic inequality and different health conditions, and this is the first study with a representative sample of population. To explore this, the association of lower gait speed with sociodemographic, anthropometric factors, mental status and physical health was incorporated participants’ weight (main weight) in the analysis of population of community-dwelling older adults living in a developing country.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional population based on a sample of 1112 older adults aged 60 years and over from Health, Wellbeing and Aging Study cohort 2010. Usual gait speed (s) to walk 3 meters was stratified by sex and height into quartiles. Multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the independent effect of each factor associated with a slower usual gait speed.ResultsThe average walking speed of the elderly was 0.81 m/s – 0.78 m/s among women and 0.86 m/s among men. In the final model, the factors associated with lower gait speed were age (OR = 3.56), literacy (OR = 3.20), difficulty in one or more IADL (OR = 2.74), presence of cardiovascular disease (OR = 2.15) and sedentarism. When we consider the 50% slower, we can add the variables handgrip strength, and the presence of COPD.ConclusionsGait speed is a clinical marker and an important measure of functional capacity among the elderly. Our findings suggest that lower walking speed is associated with age, education, but especially with modifiable factors such as impairment of IADL, physical inactivity and cardiovascular disease. These results reinforce how important it is for the elderly to remain active and healthy.

Health literacy and health outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

“…Somehow related to this finding is the observation that gait speed appears to depend on literacy [31]. Low physical activity is a known risk factor for several COPD relevant outcomes [32].…”

Handgrip Strength and Factors Associated in Poor Elderly Assisted at a Primary Care Unit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“…Educational attainment is a well-established social determinant of health and it could be expected an association of education with lower grip strength, a predictor of frailty and disability in old age. However, the effects of education are inconsistent and usually disappear after adjustments for health measures [30–32]. …”

Características Dos Idosos Submetidos Aos Exames Para a Carteira De Habilitação Veicular

“…A força dos membros inferiores não é avaliada no exame de aptidão física e mental segundo padrões estabelecidos pela literatura vigente. Estudos nacionais (17,26) e internacionais (27)(28) apontam que o aumento da idade implica em diminuição da velocidade da marcha. A diminuição da velocidade da marcha influencia na vitalidade dos idosos, pois sua execução, controle de movimento e apoio está relacionada ao funcionamento de múltiplos órgãos, como coração e pulmão, sistema circulatório, nervoso e músculo esquelético (27) .…”