Multisensory Impairment and Physical Performance in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Thompson Atalie, Mansfield Tyler, Johnson Eileen, Cawthon Peggy, Strotmeyer Elsa, Williamson Jeff, Cummings Steve, Kritchevsky Stephen
Primary Institution: Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
MSI would be associated with worse performance on timed physical mobility assessments, but that the association would be attenuated by controlling for tests of cognitive processing speed.
Conclusion
Older adults with multisensory impairment had worse mobility function, which may be partially related to cognitive processing speed.
Supporting Evidence
- Each additional point on the MSI scale was associated with slower walking speed.
- Each additional point on the MSI scale was associated with a lower eSPPB score.
- Each additional point on the MSI scale was associated with longer FSST time.
- The association of MSI with 400-m gait speed and FSST were no longer significant after adjusting for cognitive tests.
Takeaway
Older people who have trouble with their senses might move slower, but thinking skills can make a difference.
Methodology
Participants completed tests of physical performance, cognitive function, and multiple sensory domains, with linear regression models used to examine associations.
Limitations
The study does not establish causation and future research is needed to explore interventions.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 76.25 years; 59.82% female; 84.46% Non-Hispanic White.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.0037
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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