Self-reported and test-based mobility limitations in a representative sample of Finns aged 30+.
OBJECTIVE
The object of the present study was to acquire a comprehensive and accurate picture of mobility limitations in the Finnish adult population.


METHODS
A nationally representative sample of 8,028 persons aged 30+ with high participation was interviewed and examined in the Health 2000 Survey conducted in 2000-01. Mobility limitations were measured by self-reports and performance tests.


RESULTS
Perceived running difficulties were already common among persons in middle age, while difficulties in moving about indoors were frequent only among persons aged 75+. A third of women and a fifth of men aged 55+ could not reach a walking speed of 1.2 m/s. Working-aged women were more limited than men only in physically demanding tasks, but in the elderly the gender difference was evident in most mobility tasks. A substantial disagreement was found between the self-reported and test-based indicators in stair climbing. Supplementary data collection, carried out to increase participation in the health examination, as well as inclusion of institutionalized persons, provided a more complete estimate of the prevalence of mobility limitations among the elderly.


CONCLUSIONS
Both self-reported and performance-based indicators are needed to achieve a comprehensive view of disability and its variation between population groups. Exclusion of institutionalized persons and low participation lead to underestimation of the occurrence of limitations. The number of persons suffering from mobility problems will increase with ageing of the population, which accentuates the importance of early intervention to maintain functional ability, especially in women.
Sainio
Päivi
P
National Public Health Institute, Department of Health and Functional Capacity, Helsinki, Finland. paivi.sainio@ktl.fi
Koskinen
Seppo
S
Heliövaara
Markku
M
Martelin
Tuija
T
Härkänen
Tommi
T
Hurri
Heikki
H
Miilunpalo
Seppo
S
Aromaa
Arpo
A
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016138:Walking