Change In Short Physical Performance Battery Research Articles

Can exercise benefit cerebral white matter myelin? Findings from a 12‐month randomized controlled trial in older adults with vascular cognitive impairment

AbstractBackgroundCerebral small vessel disease is a major underlying cause of subcortical ischemic vascular cognitive impairment (SIVCI). Myelin loss is a feature of cerebral small vessel disease, which may underly cognitive and functional decline in older adults living with SIVCI. Resistance training (RT) is a form of exercise associated with slower progression of white matter lesions, a cerebral small vessel disease marker. However, it remains to be determined whether RT can counteract myelin loss in individuals living with SIVCI. Thus, we examined the impact of a 12‐month, twice‐weekly progressive RT program on myelin content in those with SIVCI.MethodThis was a sub‐study of a 12‐month single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 91) were randomized to RT or an active control group (balance and tone exercises [BAT]). Study eligibility included: 1) age 55 years and older; 2) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of cerebral small vessel disease; 3) mild cognitive impairment; and 4) the absence of dementia. Myelin was measured using a multi‐echo gradient and spin echo T2 relaxation MRI sequence, indexed as myelin water fraction (MWF). Differences between groups at 12 months were assessed via analysis of covariance adjusting for baseline MWF and estimated intracranial volume. MWF data from fifteen white matter tracts were analyzed. Post‐hoc regressions were conducted to determine if changes in MWF were associated with changes in mobility measured with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).ResultSeventy‐three participants (RT = 36) aged 74.1 (SD = 5.7), 64% females with high‐quality MRI data were included in the analyses. At 12 months, RT showed lower MWF levels compared with BAT in the genu of the corpus callosum (estimated mean difference [RT – BAT]: ‐0.610, 95% CI: ‐1.041 to ‐0.178, p = 0.006), fornix (‐0.883, 95% CI: ‐1.570 to ‐0.197, p = 0.012), and combined white matter tracts (‐0.326, 95% CI: ‐0.643 to ‐0.009, p = 0.044). Changes in MWF in the combined white matter tracs were positively associated with changes in SPPB (Unstandardized B = 0.124, SE = 0.061, p = 0.047).ConclusionContrary to our expectations, 12 months of balance and tone exercises, but not RT, showed positive changes in myelin. These improvements may result in better mobility in older adults with SIVCI.

Nutrition Education Improves Intakes of Protein, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, and Vitamins C and E in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

This study investigated the effect of nutrition education program on protein and nutrient intake, physical performance, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years). The participants were randomized in clusters to intervention (IG, n = 51) and control (CG, n = 45) groups. Those in IG took part in the Eating for Strong Aging education program consisting of nutrition education in peer groups, written materials, and personal advice. Nutrient intake was assessed with 3-day food diaries, physical performance with Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and HRQoL with 15-D-QoL instrument. Total of 89 participants completed the study. The mean age was 76 years (IG) and 74 years (CG). At three months, the mean change in protein intake was 0.10 g/adjusted bodyweight (ABW) kg/d in the IG, and −0.07 g/ABW kg/d in the CG (p = 0.024). Intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins C and E increased in the IG compared to the CG (p < 0.05). Changes in SPPB or total HRQoL scores between the IG and the CG did not differ. HRQoL dimension mobility improved in the IG compared to the CG (p = 0.035). In conclusion, the Eating for Strong Aging educational program improved nutrition and may be beneficial for mobility-related QoL.

Systemic Lupus, Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiac Disease, and Peripheral Artery Disease

Systemic Lupus, Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiac Disease, and Peripheral Artery Disease

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT PREDICTS PHYSICAL FUNCTION DECLINE: THE HEALTH, AGING, AND BODY COMPOSITION (HEALTH ABC) STUDY

Abstract The relationship between visual impairment (VI) and decline in physical function with age is poorly understood. We constructed separate linear mixed models to evaluate the relationship of self-reported (visual function question (VFQ) score) or performance-based (visual acuity (VA); log contrast sensitivity (LCS); stereoacuity (SA)) VI with change in performance on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) over 8 years in 2219 Health ABC participants. Mean age was 75.5 years (range 71-82); 52.4% were female, and 37.4% were black. For all measures of visual function, better vision was associated with loss of approximately -0.3 SPPB units/year which was similar to the unadjusted change in SPPB over time (-0.328 units/year 95%CI (-0.35, -0.31)). Participants with LCS ≤1.3 log units experienced 58% faster rate of decline versus those with better LCS (test of difference in slopes p&amp;lt; 0.0001). Those with poor VA ≥20/50 showed a 50% greater decline in SPPB (p=0.0029), and those with low SA ≤85 arcsec demonstrated a 33% faster decline (p&amp;lt; 0.001) relative to those with better visual function. Compared to the slope at the mean VFQ score, a 1 standard deviation lower score was associated with 23% greater decline in SPPB (p&amp;lt; 0.0001). The difference in SPPB slopes remained significant across VI measures after adjusting for longitudinal decline associated with age, sex, and black race (all p&amp;lt; 0.05). Both self-reported and performance-based VI predicted faster declines in SPPB over time. Whether older adults with VI might benefit from targeted intervention to prevent declining mobility function remains to be evaluated.

Effects of a 12-month home-based exercise program on functioning after hip fracture - Secondary analyses of an RCT.

Long-term functional limitations are common after hip fractures. Exercise may alleviate these negative consequences but there is no consensus on an optimal training program. The objective was to study the effects of a 12-month home-based supervised, progressive exercise program on functioning, physical performance, and physical activity. Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial targeting patients with surgical repair of a hip fracture, aged ≥60 years, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of ≥12. The participants were randomized into Exercise (n= 61) or Usual care (n= 60). Assessments at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months included Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), handgrip strength, and self-reported frequency of sessions of leisure-time physical activity. Analyzed using mixed-effects models. Participants' (n=121) mean age was 81 years (SD 7), and 75% were women. The mean IADL score at baseline was 17.1 (SD 4.5) in the exercise group, and 17.4 (5.1) in the usual care group. The mean SPPB scores were 3.9 (1.6) and 4.2 (1.8), and handgrip strength was 17.7 (8.9) kg and 20.8 (8.0) kg, respectively. The age- and sex-adjusted mean changes in IADL over 12 months were 3.7 (95% CI 2.8-4.7) in the exercise and 2.0 (1.0-3.0) in the usual care group (between-group difference, p=0.016); changes in SPPB 4.3 (3.6-4.9) and 2.1 (1.5-2.7) (p < 0.001); and changes in handgrip strength 1.2 kg (0.3-2.0) and 1.0 kg (-1.9 to -0.2) (p < 0.001), respectively. We found no between-group differences in changes in the frequency of leisure-time activity sessions. A 12-month home-based supervised, progressive exercise program improved functioning and physical performance more than usual care among patients with hip fractures. However, the training did not increase leisure-time physical activity.

Arthritis, physical function, and disability among older Mexican Americans over 23 years of follow-up

ABSTRACT Objective Arthritis is a common chronic condition in the ageing population. Its impact on physical function varies according to sociodemographic and race/ethnic factors. The study objective was to examine the impact of arthritis on physical function and disability among non-disabled older Mexican Americans over time. Design A 23-year prospective cohort study of 2230 Mexican Americans aged 65 years and older from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (1993/94–2016). The independent variable was self-reported physician-diagnosed arthritis, and the outcomes included Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), mobility, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and handgrip strength. Covariates were sociodemographic, medical conditions, body mass index, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function. General linear mixed models were performed to estimate the change in SPPB and muscle strength. General Equation Estimation models estimated the odds ratios (OR) of becoming ADL- or IADL- or mobility – disabled as a function of arthritis. All variables were used as time-varying except for sex, education, and nativity. Results Overall, participants with arthritis had higher odds ratio (OR) of any ADL [OR = 1.35, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.09–1.68] and mobility (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.18–1.52) disability over time than those without arthritis, after controlling for all covariates. Women, but not men, reporting arthritis had increased risk for ADL and mobility disability. The total SPPB score declined 0.18 points per year among those with arthritis than those without arthritis, after controlling for all covariates (p-value < .010). Conclusions Our study demonstrates the independent effect of arthritis in increasing ADL and mobility disability and decreased physical function in older Mexican Americans over 23-years of follow-up.

Abstract 11116: Relationship Between Skeletal Muscle Decline During Acute Care and Recovery of Physical Function in Patients with Aortic Disease

Introduction: Low skeletal muscle area or density identified on computed tomography (CT) is associated with poor prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the clinical process of skeletal muscle decline as a longitudinal change in the acute care setting. Hypothesis: Skeletal muscle loss occurs after acute care, and a high degree of skeletal muscle loss is associated with an insufficient recovery of physical function. Methods: This study used routinely acquired CT images for aortic disease management and prospectively reviewed the data of 123 patients who underwent abdominal CT before and after acute care. The area and density of all abdominal muscles and each muscle (such as the rectus abdominis, psoas, and erector spinae) divided into eight parts were measured at the third lumbar vertebra level after patient blinding. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) was used as a physical function parameter at the start and end of in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation. A generalized linear model with patients as random effects was used to investigate skeletal muscle loss during acute care. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between skeletal muscle decline during acute care and the change in SPPB results during inpatient cardiac rehabilitation. Results: The median patient age was 70 years, and 70% of patients were men. All and each abdominal muscle density declined consistently after acute care (interaction: P = 0.998). In contrast, the whole muscle area was found to have no significant change, and the changes were different for each skeletal muscle (interaction: P = 0.037). After adjusting for confounding factors, greater declines in muscle density were associated with lower recovery on the SPPB (β = 0.30, P = 0.007). Conclusions: Muscle density declines consistently after acute care, and a greater decline in muscle density is associated with a lower recovery of physical function during in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation in patients with aortic disease.

516-P: Objective and Subjective Physical and Mental Health Benefits in Older Adults with Cardiometabolic Risk after Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)-Based Lifestyle Intervention

Physical function, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and depressive symptoms are key outcomes for older adults (≥65y) enrolled in behavioral weight management, but less is known about relationships among these variables. We evaluated associations between changes in these measures after a 1-year DPP-based lifestyle program. Participants (N=322) were M±SD age 71.2y±4.3, BMI 33.8±5.1, 77% women, 13% Black, averaged 4 chronic conditions, and 31% had prediabetes. Most took blood pressure (67%) and lipid (52%) medications. Participants attended 12 in-person weekly groups, then were randomized to continued monthly contact by phone or newsletter, losing 7.4% (CI) (-8.9, -5.9) and 6.1% (-8.6, -3.6) of weight at 1 year, respectively. Goals included reducing calorie/fat intake, increasing lean protein, ≥150 minutes aerobic activity/week, and strength training. Physical function was measured via Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) gait speed, chair rise, and balance tests, perceived HRQoL via SF-12 Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS and MCS), and mood via Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at pre- and post-intervention. Associations between baseline-12 month changes in SPPB, HRQoL and CES-D were estimated in mixed-effect models. SPPB improved by 0.3±1.4 (p=0.001) in phone and 0.3±1.7 (p=0.02) in newsletter. Increased SPPB was associated with improved PCS (β=1.18, SE=0.20, p&amp;lt;0.001) and CES-D (β=-0.50, SE=0.17, p=0.002) in all participants, and improved MCS in phone (β=0.19, SE=0.28, p=0.049) and decreased MCS in newsletter (β=-0.37, SE=0.22, p=0.049). After weight loss, regardless of follow-up mode, modestly improved physical function relates to greater perceived physical HRQoL and mood, but less change in perceived mental HRQoL. Future weight loss trials in high risk elders should evaluate how to optimize physical function and subjective well-being outcomes. Disclosure H. J. Stern: None. R. G. Miller: None. R. P. K. Conlon: None. M. D. Levine: None. M. D. Marcus: Advisory Panel; Self; Weight Watchers International, Inc. E. M. Venditti: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R18DK096405)

Change in Physical Performance Correlates with Decline in Quality of Life and Frailty Status in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation with and without Chemotherapy.

Simple SummaryQuality of life (QoL) scores and frailty status are becoming increasingly important criterion with implications on both how patients are treated and survival in head and neck cancer (HNC). Despite this, physicians lack tools to identify patients who are at risk of suffering declines in QoL and becoming frail following treatment. Therefore, we investigated whether functional decline, as measured by a series of physical tests called the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), correlated with a reduction in QoL and increased risk of frailty. In the current study, patients who experienced a decline in SPPB scores were significantly more likely to have changes in physical functioning QoL measures as well as transition to frail status following treatment. In conclusion, the SPPB may be a useful tool to identify patients who may benefit from additional rehabilitation in future studies.Patient-reported quality of life (QoL) metrics, frailty status, and physical functioning are emerging concepts in head and neck cancer (HNC) with implications on both treatment decision-making and prognosis. The impact of treatment-related functional decline on QoL and frailty has not been well-characterized in HNC and was the focus of this investigation. Methods: Patients who underwent radiation therapy for HNC from 2018 to 2020 were evaluated as a prospective observational cohort. Functional decline, QoL, and the frailty phenotype were measured via the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) qlq-C30, and Fried Frailty index, respectively. Results: A total of 106 HNC patients were included, 75 of which received concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) and 31 received radiation alone, both with and without surgery. There was a decrease in SPPB overall (p < 0.001) from the beginning to the end of treatment in the CCRT group but not the radiation group (p = 0.43). Change in overall SPPB points following treatment correlated with the decline in physical QoL for both groups (p < 0.05) as well as transition frail status in the CCRT group (p < 0.001) with a trend in the radiation group (p = 0.08). Conclusions: Change in SPPB correlates with QoL and transition to frailty status in patients undergoing definitive CCRT for HNC with similar trends in those receiving radiation alone. Decline in SPPB could potentially be useful in identification of those who may benefit from rehabilitation in future studies.

Impact of treatment and frailty on elder-relevant physical function outcomes in older adults with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

76 Background: Maintenance of physical function is a key consideration in treatment decision-making for older adults with metastatic cancer, many of whom are frail. However, physical function outcomes with treatment, and effects of frailty, have not been adequately explored in the mCRPC setting. We evaluated the effects of frailty status and treatment with docetaxel (CHEMO), abiraterone (ABI), enzalutamide (ENZA), and radium 223 (RAD) on elder-relevant physical function outcomes in older men with mCRPC. Methods: Men aged 65+ were enrolled in this multicenter prospective observational cohort study. Daily function was evaluated with the OARS instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Objective physical function was assessed by grip strength and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Falls were documented during interviews. We also collected FACT-G physical well-being (PWB) and functional well-being (FWB) subscales. Assessments were performed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. We identified frailty status with a validated frailty index. Mixed effects regression models were used to examine the difference in primary outcomes over time by treatment group or frailty status adjusted for baseline characteristics. Factors associated with falls within 6 months of treatment initiation were determined with logistic regression. Results: A total of 70, 38, 67, and 23 men starting CHEMO, ABI, ENZA, and RAD were included. Mean age, education, race, number of medications, and BMI were similar at baseline between treatment groups. In treatment-stratified analyses without considering frailty, no significant changes over time were reported for any physical function outcome. Frailty was significantly associated with lower IADL function (p &lt; 0.0001), worse grip strength (p &lt; 0.0001), worse SPPB score (p &lt; 0.0001), worse PWB (p &lt; 0.0001), and worse FWB (p &lt; 0.0001) at baseline. In frailty-stratified analyses, grip strength (p = 0.0345) worsened, but SPPB (p = 0.0147) improved significantly over time. Also, changes in SPPB (p = 0.0394) and PWB scores (p = 0.0269) over time differed by frailty status, where frail cohorts had greater improvement over time in both scores. Frailty and treatment type were not predictors of falls whereas prior falls history (OR: 3.52, 95% CI: 1.40-8.86) and age (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.14) were significant predictors. Conclusions: Frail older men receiving treatment for mCRPC have worse IADL function, grip strength, SPPB scores, PWB, and FWB at baseline. Although grip strength worsened over time, they had greater improvement in SPPB scores and PWB over time than fit patients. Contrary to our hypothesis, most older adults do not experience significant worsening in elder-relevant physical function outcomes over time regardless of treatment. The impact of frailty requires further study.

Limited Benefit of Marine Protein Hydrolysate on Physical Function and Strength in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Age-related muscle wasting can compromise functional abilities of the elderly. Protein intake stimulates muscle protein synthesis; however, ageing muscle is more resistant to stimuli. This double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial is one of the first registered studies to evaluate the effects of a supplement of marine protein hydrolysate (MPH) on measures of physical function and strength. Eighty-six older adults received nutritional supplements containing 3 g of MPH or a placebo for up to 12 months. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), grip strength and gait speed were measured, and dietary intake was registered at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. No difference was found between the intervention and control groups in mean change in SPPB (independent sample t-test, p = 0.41) or regarding time trend in SPPB, grip strength, or gait speed (linear mixed model). The participants in our study were well functioning, causing a ceiling effect in SPPB. Further, they had sufficient protein intake and were physically active. Differences in physical function between those completing the intervention and the dropouts might also have created bias in the results. We recommend that future studies of MPH be carried out on a more frail or malnourished population.

Impact of perioperative change in physical function on midterm outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Preoperative frailty diminishes the potential for functional recovery after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, perioperative changes in physical status and their impact on prognosis after TAVI have not previously been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether perioperative changes in physical function affect prognosis in patients undergoing TAVI. We retrospectively reviewed 257 patients who underwent TAVI. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), an objective physical status assessment tool, was evaluated pre- and post-TAVI. Patients were divided into two groups: (i) patients whose SPPB score declined in the perioperative period (the decline group) and (ii) patients whose SPPB score did not decline in the perioperative period (the non-decline group). The primary endpoint was unplanned hospitalization owing to heart failure or cardiovascular death following TAVI. The mean follow-up period was 385 ± 151days, mean age was 83.2 ± 5.8years, and 67% of the patients were women. Sixteen patients required readmission owing to heart failure, and seven experienced cardiovascular-related death. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the event-free rate was significantly lower in the decline group (log-rank, p = 0.006). A stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a perioperative change in SPPB was significantly associated with primary endpoints (odds ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.04). Perioperative change in physical function was an independent risk factor for heart failure, hospitalization, or cardiovascular death following TAVI.

Cognitive Impairment and Decline in Physical Function Among Older Mexican Americans Over 20 Years

The aim of this study was to examine cognitive function as a predictor of physical function decline over a 20-year follow-up period among older Mexican Americans who were non-disabled and were able to complete the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) at baseline. The sample consisted of 2,232 Hispanics 65 years and older from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly. Measures included socio-demographics, self-reported medical conditions, body mass index (BMI), disability, depressive symptoms, limitations in activities of daily living, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and SPPB. General linear mixed models were used to estimate changes in SPPB over time as a function of MMSE. At baseline, 11% of the participants had cognitive impairment (MMSE < 21) and the average SPPB score for those with and without cognitive impairment was 7.16 + 2.75 and 7.81 + 2.36, respectively. Mixed model analysis showed that those with cognitive impairment (MMSE < 21) experienced a decline in the SPPB of 0.34 points per year (Standard Error = 0.09, p-value = 0.0002) after controlling for all covariates. Other significant predictor factors of decline in the SPPB were older age, depressive symptoms, diabetes, any assistance with activities of daily living, having had a hip fracture, and high BMI. Cognitive impairment predicted decline in physical function among older Mexican Americans who were non-disabled at baseline. These findings underscore the need of developing interventions to maintain cognitive and physical function to delay or prevent disability in this underserved population with high rates of disability.

Impact of Exercise Counseling on Physical Function in Chronic Kidney Disease: An Observational Study.

Background:Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have low levels of physical activity and physical function. Although guidelines endorse exercise counseling for individuals with CKD, it is not yet part of routine care.Objective:We investigated the effect of attending a real-life exercise counseling clinic (ECC) on physical function in individuals with CKD.Design:Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected observational data with quasi-experimental design.Setting and Participants:Patients with all stages of CKD registered in a large provincial renal program were eligible. The exposed cohort who attended the ECC between January 1, 2011, and March 15, 2014, included 214 individuals. The control cohort included 292 individuals enrolled in an observational study investigating longitudinal change in frailty during the same time period.Predictor/Factor:Attendance at an ECC.Outcomes and Measurements:Change in physical function as measured by Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, physical activity level (Human Activity Profile [HAP]/Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly [PASE]), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL; EQ5D/VAS) over 1 year.Results:Eighty-seven individuals in the ECC cohort and 125 participants in the control cohort completed 1-year follow-up. Baseline median SPPB score was 10 (interquartile range [IQR]: 9-12) and 9 (IQR: 7-11) in the ECC and control cohorts, respectively (P < .01). At 1 year, SPPB scores were 10 (IQR: 8-12) and 9 (IQR: 6-11) in the ECC and control cohorts, respectively (P = .04). Mean change in SPPB over 1 year was not significantly different between groups: −0.33 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.81 to 0.15) in ECC and −0.22 (95% CI: −0.61 to 0.17) in control (P = .72). There was no significant difference in the proportion of individuals in each cohort with an increase/decrease in SPPB score over time. There was no significant change in physical activity or HRQOL over time between groups.Limitations:Quasi-experimental design, low rate of follow-up attendance.Conclusions:In this pragmatic study, exercise counseling had no significant effect on change in SPPB score, suggesting that a single exercise counseling session alone is inadequate to improve physical function in CKD.

A pilot study of the effects of androgen deprivation therapy on physical function and comprehensive geriatric health in older men with prostate cancer.

e16510 Background: Alteration of the androgen axis through androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay of prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. Unfortunately, the resultant hypogonadal state has detrimental effects on muscle and bone and may impair physical function (PF). Older patients may be more vulnerable to PF changes while on ADT. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the changes in PF and geriatric health in older men initiating ADT using tests easily employed in routine clinical practice. Methods: Men with PCa initiating ADT were enrolled and were assessed every 3 months (mos) for up to 12 mos. PF was measured using the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and geriatric health was screened using the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES13) which predicts potential death or decline over 2 years. The primary endpoint was change in SPPB and VES13 at 3 mos. Results: We enrolled 17 patients with a median age of 75 years (range 67-85) beginning ADT therapy. Fourteen patients had metastasis, 2 had locally advanced disease, and 1 had biochemical recurrence. The majority had Gleason score (GS) 7 cancer (9/17), 7/17 GS 8-10, and 1/17 with GS 6. Eight patients had normal SPPB baseline scores and 9 had moderate impairment (moderate frailty risk) (Mean 10, SD 1.71). Seven had a clinically significant decline in the SPPB at 3 mos, with 1 patient testing as severely impaired. The VES13 screening tool identified 6/17 patients as vulnerable at baseline (Mean 3, SD 3.92). At 3 months, 3/17 patients had a decline in VES13 and 6/17 with an improvement. Of the 10 patients who were followed for at least 6 months, 5 had worsening of the VES13 and 2 had a worsening in SPPB. Conclusions: Older patients initiating ADT have baseline vulnerabilities in geriatric health with little immediate detriment after treatment initiation, perhaps due to overall health improvement with treatment initiation. Changes in PF, however, are seen within the first 3 months of ADT in nearly half of our patients, warranting further investigation into early rehabilitation of men even on short-term ADT. The SPPB is easily employed in clinic and important as reliance on VES13 alone is likely to miss patients with PF impairments.

Abstract TP370: Tai Chi and SilverSneakers® Interventions Improve Aerobic Endurance in Older Stroke Survivors

Background: Physical activity reduces recurrent stroke risk, yet suitable community-based programs are lacking. Tai Chi (TC) and SilverSneakers® (SS) can be easily adapted for persons with disabilities. TC integrates physical movements with mindfulness, while SS focuses on strength and range of movement. Purpose: To examine the effects of TC and SS interventions on physical functioning compared to Usual Care (UC). Methods: A randomized trial was conducted among stroke survivors (n=145), aged ≥ 50 years, and at ≥ 3 months post-stroke (TC, n=53; SS, n=44; or UC, n=48). TC and SS groups attended a 1-hour class 3X/week for 12 weeks. The UC group received a weekly phone call along with written materials for participating in community-based physical activity. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) assessed balance, gait speed, and lower body strength; a two-minute step-in-place test (StepTest) assessed aerobic endurance. The Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) assessed amount of self-reported physical activity. Clinically meaningful changes in SPPB (small=0.5 points, substantial=1.0 points), and gait speed (small=0.05 m/sec, substantial=0.10 m/sec) were examined. Data were analyzed using 2 (time) X 3 (group) ANOVAs. Results: Subjects (47% women) were on average 70±10 years old, and 37±48 months post-stroke. The majority were married (58%), White (79%), college educated (79%), retired (80%), reporting an ischemic stroke (66%) with hemiparesis (73%). All groups reported a similar amount of physical activity (PASIPD=14.8±11.0 MET hrs/day, F 2,142 =1.04, p=0.36); and had substantial improvements in SPPB score (F 1,142 =85.29, p&lt;0.01), with small improvements in gait speed (F 1,142 =25.97, p&lt;0.01). There was a significant group by time interaction for the StepTest (F 2,142 =4.69, p&lt;0.01); TC (t 53 =2.45, p=0.02) and SS (t 44 =4.63, p&lt;0.01) had significantly better aerobic endurance over time, while this was not observed in the UC group (t 48 =1.58, p=0.12). Conclusions: A goal of stroke rehabilitation is to prevent disability and declines in physical functioning. TC and SS improved aerobic endurance, and both are suitable community-based programs that may aid in stroke recovery and community reintegration.

S74 Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in COPD

IntroductionThe Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a simple objective assessment tool developed by the National Institute on Ageing for evaluating lower extremity function in older persons. It comprises tests...

Increased Velocity Exercise Specific to Task Training Versus the National Institute on Aging's Strength Training Program: Changes in Limb Power and Mobility

This study was designed to evaluate the benefits of InVEST (Increased Velocity Specific to Task) training on limb power and mobility among mobility-limited older adults. We conducted a single blinded, randomized controlled trial among 138 mobility-limited community-dwelling older adults, evaluating two 16-week supervised exercise programs. The intervention group participated in InVEST training, and the control group participated in the National Institute on Aging's (NIA) strength training program. Primary outcomes were changes in limb power per kilogram and mobility performance as measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). After 16 weeks, InVEST produced significantly greater improvements in limb power than NIA (p=.02). There was no significant difference in strength improvements. Both groups had significant changes in SPPB of greater than 1 unit. Self-reported function was also significantly improved in both groups. Differences between groups were not statistically different. In a post hoc analysis when participants were categorized by the manifestation of baseline leg velocity impairments (N=68), InVEST training produced effect size differences in SPPB that were clinically meaningful (SPPB Group x Time difference 0.73 units, p=.05). Among mobility-limited older adults, both NIA and InVEST produce robust changes in observed physical performance and self-reported function. These improvements were not meaningfully different by statistical or clinical criteria. Compared with NIA, InVEST training produced greater improvements in limb power and equivalent improvements in strength. Observed differences between NIA and InVEST based upon baseline leg impairment status are informative for futures studies.

Adverse Outcomes and Correlates of Change in the Short Physical Performance Battery Over 36 Months in the African American Health Project

The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a well-established measure of lower body physical functioning in older persons but has not been adequately examined in African Americans or younger persons. Moreover, factors associated with changes in SPPB over time have not been reported. A representative sample of 998 African Americans (49-65 years old at baseline) living in St. Louis, Missouri were followed for 36 months to examine the predictive validity of SPPB in this population and identify factors associated with changes in SPPB. SPPB was calibrated to this population, ranged from 0 (worst) to 12 (best), and required imputation for about 50% of scores. Adverse outcomes of baseline SPPB included death, nursing home placement, hospitalization, physician visits, incident basic and instrumental activity of daily living disabilities, and functional limitations. Changes in SPPB over 36 months were modeled. Adjusted for appropriate covariates, weighted appropriately, and using propensity scores to address potential selection bias, baseline SPPB scores were associated with all adverse outcomes except physician visits, and were marginally associated with hospitalization. Declines in SPPB scores were associated with low falls efficacy (b = -1.311), perceived income adequacy (-0.121), older age (-0.073 per year), poor vision (-0.754), diabetes mellitus (-0.565), refusal to report household income (1.48), ever had Medicaid insurance (-0.610), obesity (-0.437), hospitalization in the prior year (-0.521), and kidney disease (-.956). The effect of baseline SPPB on adverse outcomes in this late middle-age African American population confirms reports involving older, primarily white participants. Alleviating deterioration in lower body physical functioning guided by the associated covariates may avoid or delay multiple age-associated adverse outcomes.