Disability rank in vestibular older adults.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the hierarchical structure of activities of daily living (ADL) among vestibular older adults, according to its power to discriminate disability.


METHODS
An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted comprising 235 elderly, aged 65 years and older, with chronic vestibular dysfunction. Functional capacity was assessed through the Brazilian version of OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire which consists of 15 activities of daily living (ADL). The sample was classified in each ADL according to the difficulty level in performing the activity. A multiple correlation analysis technique and discriminant analysis was used to analyze the hierarchical structure of ADL.


RESULTS
The sample consisted of 75.3% women, with an average age of 73.55±5.94 years. The ADL and their respective discrimination measurements were: getting into and out of bed (0.293); eating (0.129); combing hair (0.150); walking on flat surfaces (0.270); having a bath/shower (0.512); getting dressed (0.325); getting to the toilet in time (0.107); climbing stairs (0.338); taking medicines on time (0.035); walking close to home (0.529); shopping (0.503); preparing meals (0.398); cutting toenails (0.242); getting off buses (0.452); and cleaning the house (0.408).


CONCLUSIONS
The tasks that reflect a higher demand upon the vestibular system were the most impaired, in the following order: walking close to home, having a bath/shower, shopping, getting off buses, cleaning the house, preparing meals, climbing stairs, getting dressed, getting into and out of bed, walking on flat surfaces, cutting toenails, combing hair, eating, getting to the toilet in time, taking medicines on time.
Aratani
Mayra Cristina
MC
Federal University of Sao Paulo, City of Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo, Brazil. mayra.aratani@uol.com.br
Perracini
Monica Rodrigues
MR
Caovilla
Heloísa Helena
HH
Gazzola
Juliana Maria
JM
Ganança
Mauricio Malavasi
MM
Ganança
Fernando Freitas
FF
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*