Physical Fitness, Fatigability, and Life-Space Mobility in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Moored Kyle, Duchowny Kate, Rosso Andrea, Cawthon Peggy, Carlson Michelle, Glynn Nancy
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Hypothesis
The relationship between physical capacity and life-space mobility may differ by neighborhood context.
Conclusion
Higher objective fitness is particularly important for life-space mobility in more disordered and less socially integrated neighborhoods.
Supporting Evidence
- Each 1-SD higher VO2peak was associated with a 2.5-point higher life-space score.
- Associations were significantly greater for the highest physical disorder tertile.
- Each 1-SD higher PFS Physical score was associated with a 3.2-point lower life-space score.
Takeaway
Being fit helps older people move around their neighborhoods better, especially if their neighborhood is messy or not friendly.
Methodology
Linear regressions were used to estimate associations adjusted for demographic, health, and socioeconomic confounders.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 76.1 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.018, 0.046
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.84,4.2; 95% CI: 1.5,6.2; 95% CI: 2.9,8.6; 95% CI: -4.6,-1.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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