Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, Vol 50, Issue 2 M70-M77, Copyright © 1995 by The Gerontological Society of America
Physical disability in older runners: prevalence, risk factors, and progression with age
MM Ward, HB Hubert, H Shi and DA Bloch
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Palo Alto, California.
BACKGROUND. Concern exists that certain types of exercise, particularly
vigorous activity, may increase physical disability among older
individuals. We investigated the prevalence of, and risk factors for,
physical disability in active older persons (runners), and examined factors
influencing the progression of physical disability with age. METHODS.
Physical disability, measured using the Health Assessment Questionnaire
Disability Index, was assessed prospectively in 454 runners, age 50 or
greater, over five to seven years by annual mailed questionnaires. Baseline
sociodemographic, clinical, and life-style characteristics associated with
the presence of any disability over the course of the study were determined
and contrasted with those in 292 older non-runners who had been similarly
followed. RESULTS. Two hundred twenty-two runners (49%) reported some
physical disability during the study. The presence of arthritis symptoms at
baseline was the most important risk factor for physical disability; older
age, greater body mass index, strenuous work-related physical activity, and
the use of more medications were also associated with a greater likelihood
of physical disability. Among the non-runners, 224 (77%) reported some
physical disability, and the presence of arthritis symptoms was also the
most important risk factor for physical disability in this group.
Age-related changes in physical disability differed between those with and
without arthritis symptoms in both the runner and non-runner groups.
CONCLUSIONS. The presence of arthritis symptoms was an important risk
factor for physical disability among both older runners and non-runners,
and also identified subgroups of individuals with different progressions of
disability with age.
