Relationship between lifestyle activities and physical functions in elderly persons utilizing care facilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between outdoor-activity areas and physical functions such as muscle strength, postural balance, gait function, and to identify the physical functions related to accomplishment of outdoor activity in elderly persons utilizing outpatient rehabilitation facilities. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship among physical, social and intellectual activities and physical functions. The subjects were 265 elderly persons (average age: 80.3 +/- 7.0). They were classified into the indoor-activity group, neighborhood outdoor-activity group and long-distance outdoor-activity group, and functional differences among the three groups were examined. The Barthel index, one-leg standing time, timed up-and-go test and performance-oriented mobility assessment were significantly different among the three groups. These results suggested that physical functions have a close relationship with extension of the activity area. Based on 95% confidence intervals, elderly subjects with more than 95 points on the Barthel index seemed able to do neighborhood outdoor activities. Those who can finish timed up-and-go test in less than 18 seconds, and obtain 26 points in performance-oriented mobility assessment may be able to do long-distance outdoor-activities using a bus. Furthermore, it was found that physical function was largely affected by physical activity such as exercise habituation and house keeping. In conclusion the difference of the activity area as well as extended activities of ADL influenced the physical function, which was critical to prevent functional decline in elderly persons.