title: [Physical performance of older adults living in rural areas at sea level and at high altitude in Peru].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Living at high altitudes requires the inhabitants to adapt biologically and socially to the environment. The objective of this study was to determine the difference in physical performance (PP) in rural populations at sea level and at high altitude.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural communities in Ancash, Peru, located at 3.345 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.) and also in communities located in coastal areas at 6m.a.s.l. PP was measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and other associated factors. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 130 older adults were assessed in the high altitude communities and 129 on the coast. The median age was 71.4 years, and 55.6% were female. Low physical performance (SPPB ≤ 6) was 10.0% at high altitude and 19.4% on the coast (p<0.05). Factors associated with low physical performance were residing at the coast (aPR: 2.10, 95% CI 1.02 to 4.33), self-reported poor health (aPR: 2.48, 95% CI 1.21 -5.08), hypertension (aPR: 1.73, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.98), and age (aPR: 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07), while being a farmer (aPR: 0.49, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.97), and being independent (aPR: 0.37, 95% CI 0,20-, 072) were found to be protective factors. It was also found that the inhabitants of the coast have a mean of 0.86 points lower total SPPB than the high altitude ones (p=0.004).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is an association between altitude of residence and PP in older adults. The prevalence of a low PP in older adults in rural areas at sea level is twice as high compared to those living in high altitude rural communities.
authors.affiliation: Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Perú; Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (SOCIEMUPC), Lima, Perú. Electronic address: David.estela.a@gmail.com.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Estela-Ayamamani
authors.affiliation: Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Perú
authors.forename: Jossué
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Espinoza-Figueroa
authors.affiliation: Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Perú
authors.forename: Mauricio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Columbus-Morales
authors.affiliation: Centro Geriátrico Naval del Perú, Lima, Perú
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Runzer-Colmenares
authors.affiliation: Bamboo Seniors Health Services, Lima, Perú
authors.forename: José F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Parodi
authors.affiliation: Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Perú
authors.forename: Percy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mayta-Tristán
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000368:Aged; D000531:Altitude; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010568:Peru; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012424:Rural Population
keywords: Adulto mayor; Altitud; Altitude; Elderly; Fragilidad; Fragility; Physical performance; Rendimiento físico; Rural area; Zona rural