Predictors of hand function in older persons: a two-year longitudinal analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To validate a hierarchical model of hand function in older persons, using longitudinal data.


METHODS
Longitudinal observational study (2-year data from an ongoing longitudinal study).


METHODS
689 persons older than age 60, including Continuing Care Retirement Community (n = 230), homebound (n = 204), and ambulatory (n = 255) respondents. Mean age at baseline 76.6 (SD = 8.8).


METHODS
Independent variables included sociodemographics, physician measures of upper joint impairment, self-reported comorbidity, arthritis pain, depression, and anxiety. The dependent variables included grip strength and a timed manual performance test.


RESULTS
Using generalized estimated equations (GEE) to test our hierarchial model, we found that gender and upper extremity joint impairment were the strongest predictors of a longitudinal measure of grip strength. Grip strength, in turn, along with demographics, comorbidity, and a measure of psychological status, was significantly related to timed manual performance.


CONCLUSIONS
The longitudinal analyses confirmed a previous cross-sectional finding that upper extremity joint impairment contributes significantly to reduced grip strength, which, in turn, contributes to reduced hand performance on a timed test.
Multipurpose Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
S L
SL
Hughes
J
J
Gibbs
D
D
Dunlop
R
R
Singer
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012737:Sex Factors