The relationship between physical activity, and physical performance and psycho-cognitive functioning in older adults living in residential aged care facilities

Natalia J M Bootsman; Tina L Skinner; Ravin Lal; Delma Glindemann; Carmela Lagasca; G M E E Geeske Peeters

doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2017.07.006

The relationship between physical activity, and physical performance and psycho-cognitive functioning in older adults living in residential aged care facilities

J Sci Med Sport. 2018 Feb;21(2):173-178. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.07.006. Epub 2017 Jul 12.

Authors

Natalia J M Bootsman¹, Tina L Skinner², Ravin Lal³, Delma Glindemann⁴, Carmela Lagasca⁵, G M E E Geeske Peeters⁶

Affiliations

¹ The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Centre for Research on Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, Australia; VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, The Netherlands.
² The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Centre for Research on Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, Australia. Electronic address: Et.skinner@uq.edu.au.
³ The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Centre for Research on Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, Australia.
⁴ Churches of Christ in Queensland, Australia.
⁵ Churches of Christ in Queensland, Australia; The University of Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Australia.
⁶ The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Centre for Research on Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, Australia; The University of Queensland, School of Public Health, Australia.

PMID: 28778824
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.07.006

Abstract

Objectives: Insight into modifiable factors related to falls risk in older adults living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) is necessary to tailor preventive strategies for this high-risk population. Associations between physical activity (PA), physical performance and psycho-cognitive functioning have been understudied in aged care residents. This study investigated associations between PA, and both physical performance and psycho-cognitive functioning in older adults living in RACFs.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: Forty-four residents aged 85±8years were recruited from four RACFs located in Southeast Queensland. PA was assessed as the average time spent walking in hours/day using activPAL3™. Physical performance tests included balance, gait speed, dual-task ability, reaction time, coordination, grip strength, and leg strength and power. Psycho-cognitive questionnaires included quality of life, balance confidence, fear of falling and cognitive functioning. Associations between PA and each outcome measure were analysed using linear or ordinal regression models.

Results: The average time spent walking was 0.5±0.4h/day. Higher levels of PA were significantly associated with better balance (compared with low PA, medium: B=1.6; high: B=1.3) and dual-task ability (OR=7.9 per 0.5h/day increase). No statistically significant associations were found between PA and the other physical and psycho-cognitive measures.

Conclusions: More physically active residents scored higher on balance and dual-task ability, which are key predictors of falls risk. This suggests that physical activity programs targeting balance and dual-task ability could help prevent falls in aged care residents.

Keywords: Frail elderly; Psychological phenomena and processes; Psychomotor performance; Residential facilities; Walking.

MeSH terms

Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Cognition / physiology*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Exercise / physiology*
Female
Gait / physiology
Geriatric Assessment
Homes for the Aged*
Humans
Male
Postural Balance / physiology*
Quality of Life
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Risk Factors
Time Factors