The Association of Coordination with Physical Activity Levels of Older Adults

Abstract

Aim: To examine the association between coordination ability and self-reported physical activity among communitydwelling older adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 77 adults (81.51 ± 5.46 years) using motion capture and a gait walkway to assess rhythmic interlimb ankle, shoulder, and gait coordination. Physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). We conducted multivariable linear regression modeling using backward elimination with age, gender, body mass index, Mini-Mental State Exam score, number of chronic conditions, falls, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, and interlimb ankle, shoulder, and gait coordination as predictors, and PASE score as the outcome. Results: Gender and SPPB score accounted for 19.4% and the three coordination measures an additional 10%, of the variance in PASE score. Conclusion: The results showed that ankle, shoulder, and gait coordination contribute to self-reported physical activity levels among older adults, even after accounting for SPPB score.