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Daily Ambulation Activity and Task Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Aged 63–71 Years With Preclinical Disability

¹ Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Muscle Research Laboratory, University of Alabama–Birmingham.
² Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Birmingham, Alabama.
³ Department of Exercise Science, Gerontology Center, Aging and Physical Performance Laboratory, University of Georgia, Athens.

Address correspondence to John K. Petrella, PhD, GRECC 11-G, 700 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233. E-mail: jpetrella{at}physiology.uab.edu

Abstract

Background. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in daily ambulation activity and task modification between community-dwelling older adults above and below an empirically derived physical threshold that has been linked to independence.

Methods. 20 community-dwelling older adults (72.8 ± 6 years) were categorized into groups based on functional performance using the Continuous scale Physical Functional Performance Test total score (Cs-PFP). Individuals with Cs-PFP 57 were assigned to the high functioning group (HIGH; n = 10) with all others assigned to the lower functioning group (LOW; Cs-PFP < 57; n = 10). Dependent variables included steps/day, number of tasks reported with difficulty, and number of tasks reported with modification.

Results. HIGH took significantly more steps/day (HIGH: 9503 ± 4623; LOW: 5048 ± 2917, p =.019) compared to LOW. Groups reported having difficulty with a similar number of tasks (HIGH: 0.4 ± 1; LOW: 1.0 ± 1, p =.092) but LOW reported modifying a significantly larger number of tasks (HIGH: 0.3 ± 1; LOW 1.4 ± 1, p =.049).

Conclusions. Older adults with preclinical disability have reduced daily ambulatory activity compared to older adults with high function despite a similar independent living status. Individuals compensate for reduced physical reserves by modifying the method of performing a task. Identifying early declines in physical ability through task modification and daily ambulation will provide the opportunity for timely intervention to older adults desiring to remain independent within a community-dwelling environment.

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