Daily ambulation activity and task performance in community-dwelling older adults aged 63-71 years with preclinical disability.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to examine differences in daily ambulation activity and task modification between community-dwelling older adults above and below an empirically derived physical threshold that has been linked to independence.


METHODS
20 community-dwelling older adults (72.8 +/- 6 years) were categorized into groups based on functional performance using the Continuous scale Physical Functional Performance Test total score (Cs-PFP). Individuals with Cs-PFP > or =57 were assigned to the high functioning group (HIGH; n=10) with all others assigned to the lower functioning group (LOW; Cs-PFP<57; n=10). Dependent variables included steps/day, number of tasks reported with difficulty, and number of tasks reported with modification.


RESULTS
HIGH took significantly more steps/day (HIGH: 9503 +/- 4623; LOW: 5048 +/- 2917, p=.019) compared to LOW. Groups reported having difficulty with a similar number of tasks (HIGH: 0.4 +/- 1; LOW: 1.0 +/- 1, p=.092) but LOW reported modifying a significantly larger number of tasks (HIGH: 0.3 +/- 1; LOW 1.4 +/- 1, p=.049).


CONCLUSIONS
Older adults with preclinical disability have reduced daily ambulatory activity compared to older adults with high function despite a similar independent living status. Individuals compensate for reduced physical reserves by modifying the method of performing a task. Identifying early declines in physical ability through task modification and daily ambulation will provide the opportunity for timely intervention to older adults desiring to remain independent within a community-dwelling environment.
Petrella
John K
JK
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Muscle Research Laboratory, University of Alabama-Birmingham, AL 35233, USA. jpetrella@physiology.uab.edu
Cress
M Elaine
ME
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016138:Walking