Diana E Fisher1, Michael M Ward2, Howard J Hoffman3, Chuan-Ming Li3, Mary Frances Cotch4. 1. Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, Intramural Research Program, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland. Electronic address: diana.fisher@nih.gov. 2. Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland. 3. Epidemiology and Statistics Program, Division of Scientific Programs, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland. 4. Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, Intramural Research Program, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Mobility is reduced in people with sensory impairments and those with arthritis. The combined impact of these conditions may be underappreciated. This study examines the associations between impairments in vision, hearing, and balance and functional ability in adults with versus without arthritis. METHODS: Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 1999-2004, arthritis status, functional ability, and sensory impairments (vision, hearing, and balance) were assessed from self-reported responses by 6,654 individuals aged ≥50 years (mean age, 63.4 years; 46.3% male). Multivariable regression analyses, conducted in 2014, assessed the associations between sensory impairment and arthritis on functional ability and mobility. RESULTS: Among study participants, 41.8% reported having arthritis; of these, 27.1%, 44.9%, and 35.1% reported impaired vision, hearing, or balance, respectively. Having multiple sensory impairments was significantly associated with reduced functional ability in people with arthritis; individuals with three sensory impairments reported the highest levels of disability for all functional domains (compared with no impairment; lower extremity mobility, 80.2% vs 39.1%; general physical activities, 94.7% vs 75.9%; activities of daily living, 69.7% vs 27.2%; instrumental activities of daily living, 77.2% vs 37.4%; leisure and social activities, 66.3% vs 30.6%; impaired gait speed, 48.1% vs 16.3%; all p<0.001). Importantly, visual deficits, in combination with arthritis, had the greatest impact on mobility, with odds of impaired mobility at least twice as high as for individuals without arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing sensory deficits, especially difficulties with vision, may improve functional ability, which may be particularly helpful for adults with arthritis. Published by Elsevier Inc.
INTRODUCTION: Mobility is reduced in people with sensory impairments and those with arthritis. The combined impact of these conditions may be underappreciated. This study examines the associations between impairments in vision, hearing, and balance and functional ability in adults with versus without arthritis. METHODS: Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 1999-2004, arthritis status, functional ability, and sensory impairments (vision, hearing, and balance) were assessed from self-reported responses by 6,654 individuals aged ≥50 years (mean age, 63.4 years; 46.3% male). Multivariable regression analyses, conducted in 2014, assessed the associations between sensory impairment and arthritis on functional ability and mobility. RESULTS: Among study participants, 41.8% reported having arthritis; of these, 27.1%, 44.9%, and 35.1% reported impaired vision, hearing, or balance, respectively. Having multiple sensory impairments was significantly associated with reduced functional ability in people with arthritis; individuals with three sensory impairments reported the highest levels of disability for all functional domains (compared with no impairment; lower extremity mobility, 80.2% vs 39.1%; general physical activities, 94.7% vs 75.9%; activities of daily living, 69.7% vs 27.2%; instrumental activities of daily living, 77.2% vs 37.4%; leisure and social activities, 66.3% vs 30.6%; impaired gait speed, 48.1% vs 16.3%; all p<0.001). Importantly, visual deficits, in combination with arthritis, had the greatest impact on mobility, with odds of impaired mobility at least twice as high as for individuals without arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing sensory deficits, especially difficulties with vision, may improve functional ability, which may be particularly helpful for adults with arthritis. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Authors: Eric S Kiechle; Stacy Cooper Bailey; Laurie A Hedlund; Anthony J Viera; Stacey L Sheridan Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2015-04-28 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: L P Fried; C M Tangen; J Walston; A B Newman; C Hirsch; J Gottdiener; T Seeman; R Tracy; W J Kop; G Burke; M A McBurnie Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2001-03 Impact factor: 6.053
Authors: Ahmed F Shakarchi; Lama Assi; Abhishek Gami; Christina Kohn; Joshua R Ehrlich; Bonnielin K Swenor; Nicholas S Reed Journal: Semin Hear Date: 2021-04-15