Higher Short Physical Performance Battery Scores Research Articles

Quality of diet and level of physical performance related to inflammatory markers in community-dwelling frail, elderly people.

The aim of this study was to assess whether diet quality and functional status were associated with serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in frail, elderly, community-dwelling individuals. Seventy-eight frail, elderly individuals (age ≥65 y, usual gait speed <0.6m/s and Mini Nutritional Assessment <24) participated in this cross-sectional study from the National Home Healthcare Services in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Diet quality was assessed using mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of the diet, which was calculated by averaging the sum of the nutrient adequacy ratios (NAR) for the intakes of energy, protein, and 11 micronutrients. Grip strength was measured as an indicator of muscle strength, and short physical performance battery (SPPB) was measured as an indicator of physical performance. The levels of the inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α were obtained from serum samples. MAR and NAR scores for phosphorus; vitamins A, B1, and B6; and niacin were negatively associated with IL-6 (β=-0.006, -0.004, -0.004, -0.007, -0.004, and -0.005, respectively; P<0.05). SPPB score, as well as NAR scores for vitamin B6, niacin, and vitamin C, were negatively associated with TNF-α (β=-0.098, -0.006, -0.006, and -0.004, respectively; P<0.05). MAR of the diet was inversely associated with IL-6 concentration in frail elderly individuals, and higher SPPB score was associated with lower levels of TNF-α. Results from the present study suggest that improving diet quality and physical performance might lower levels of inflammation in this frail, elderly population.

Change in vitamin D status is associated with improved physical performance over one year: the LIFE‐P study

Vitamin D insufficiency is common among older adults and may play a role in musculoskeletal function; however, few studies have examined the longitudinal association between vitamin D and physical function. Thus, we examined the association between vitamin D status and change in vitamin D status and physical performance in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Pilot (LIFE‐P) Study. Plasma 25(OH)D and physical performance using the short physical performance battery (SPPB) score were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Mixed models were used to examine the associations between 25(OH)D status (&lt;50 nmol/L vs. ≥50 nmol/L) and SPPB in models adjusted for demographics, intervention group, season, physical activity and BMI (n=368). The mean age of the participants was 76.7 yrs; 68% were women, 76% were white, and 50% were vitamin D sufficient (≥50 nmol/L) at baseline. Vitamin D sufficiency was associated with higher SPPB scores at baseline (Mean difference (SE): 0.35 (0.16), p=0.03). Going from vitamin D insufficient to sufficient was associated with improved SPPB scores at follow‐up (0.57 (0.22), p=0.01). In conclusion, sufficient vitamin D status and change from insufficient to sufficient vitamin D status were associated with better physical performance. Supported by the NIA (U01 AG22376); the WFU OAIC (P30 AG021332); K01 AG030506; and the Sticht Foundation.

The Interplay Between Uric Acid and Antioxidants in Relation to Physical Function in Older Persons

To investigate the relationship between circulating uric acid (UA) levels and plasma antioxidants and whether antioxidant levels modulate the association between UA and physical function. Cross-sectional. Community-based. Nine hundred sixty-six elderly persons participating in the baseline assessment of the Invecchiare in Chianti Study. UA, carotenoid, tocopherol, and selenium concentrations were assayed. Physical function was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and difficulties in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Potential confounders were assessed using standardized methods. Total carotenoids (P=.008), in particular alpha-carotene (P=.02), lutein (P<.001), zeaxanthin (P<.001), lycopene (P=.07), cryptoxanthin (P=.29), and selenium (P=.04) were inversely associated with UA levels. Total tocopherols (P=.06) and alpha-tocopherol (P=.10) had a positive trend across UA levels. SPPB (P=.01) and IADL disability (P=.002) were nonlinearly distributed across the UA quintiles. Participants within the middle UA quintile (4.8-5.3 mg/dL) were less disabled in IADLs and had better SPPB scores than those in the extreme UA quintiles. There was a significant interaction between UA and selenium in the model predicting SPPB score (P=.02). UA levels are inversely associated with circulating carotenoids and selenium. Participants with intermediate UA levels had a higher prevalence of good physical functions, higher SPPB scores, and lower IADL disability. This study suggests that older subjects with intermediate UA levels may have an optimum balance between proinflammatory and antioxidant compounds that may contribute to better physical performance.