Natalia J M Bootsman1, Tina L Skinner2, Ravin Lal3, Delma Glindemann4, Carmela Lagasca5, G M E E Geeske Peeters6. 1. The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Centre for Research on Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, Australia; VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, The Netherlands. 2. The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Centre for Research on Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, Australia. Electronic address: Et.skinner@uq.edu.au. 3. The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Centre for Research on Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, Australia. 4. Churches of Christ in Queensland, Australia. 5. Churches of Christ in Queensland, Australia; The University of Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Australia. 6. The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Centre for Research on Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, Australia; The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Insight into modifiable factors related to falls risk in older adults living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) is necessary to tailor preventive strategies for this high-risk population. Associations between physical activity (PA), physical performance and psycho-cognitive functioning have been understudied in aged care residents. This study investigated associations between PA, and both physical performance and psycho-cognitive functioning in older adults living in RACFs. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Forty-four residents aged 85±8years were recruited from four RACFs located in Southeast Queensland. PA was assessed as the average time spent walking in hours/day using activPAL3™. Physical performance tests included balance, gait speed, dual-task ability, reaction time, coordination, grip strength, and leg strength and power. Psycho-cognitive questionnaires included quality of life, balance confidence, fear of falling and cognitive functioning. Associations between PA and each outcome measure were analysed using linear or ordinal regression models. RESULTS: The average time spent walking was 0.5±0.4h/day. Higher levels of PA were significantly associated with better balance (compared with low PA, medium: B=1.6; high: B=1.3) and dual-task ability (OR=7.9 per 0.5h/day increase). No statistically significant associations were found between PA and the other physical and psycho-cognitive measures. CONCLUSIONS: More physically active residents scored higher on balance and dual-task ability, which are key predictors of falls risk. This suggests that physical activity programs targeting balance and dual-task ability could help prevent falls in aged care residents.
OBJECTIVES: Insight into modifiable factors related to falls risk in older adults living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) is necessary to tailor preventive strategies for this high-risk population. Associations between physical activity (PA), physical performance and psycho-cognitive functioning have been understudied in aged care residents. This study investigated associations between PA, and both physical performance and psycho-cognitive functioning in older adults living in RACFs. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Forty-four residents aged 85±8years were recruited from four RACFs located in Southeast Queensland. PA was assessed as the average time spent walking in hours/day using activPAL3™. Physical performance tests included balance, gait speed, dual-task ability, reaction time, coordination, grip strength, and leg strength and power. Psycho-cognitive questionnaires included quality of life, balance confidence, fear of falling and cognitive functioning. Associations between PA and each outcome measure were analysed using linear or ordinal regression models. RESULTS: The average time spent walking was 0.5±0.4h/day. Higher levels of PA were significantly associated with better balance (compared with low PA, medium: B=1.6; high: B=1.3) and dual-task ability (OR=7.9 per 0.5h/day increase). No statistically significant associations were found between PA and the other physical and psycho-cognitive measures. CONCLUSIONS: More physically active residents scored higher on balance and dual-task ability, which are key predictors of falls risk. This suggests that physical activity programs targeting balance and dual-task ability could help prevent falls in aged care residents.
Authors: Roberta Forte; Caterina Pesce; Angela Di Baldassarre; John Shea; Claudia Voelcker-Rehage; Laura Capranica; Giancarlo Condello Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-05-23 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Pengfei Ren; Xianliang Zhang; Litao Du; Yang Pan; Si Chen; Qiang He Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-03-03 Impact factor: 3.390