Lower Short Physical Performance Battery Scores Research Articles

#1078 Prevalence of iron deficiency in patients admitted to a geriatric unit: analysis according to the stages of chronic kidney disease

Abstract Background and Aims Iron deficiency (ID) is a poor prognostic factor in chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Indeed, independently of anemia, ID is associated with more rapid clinical worsening of CKD and is a risk factor for mortality in this condition. In older patients, CKD is common and often associated with other comorbidities. Method The CARENFER PA study is a national multicenter study designed to evaluate ID in older patients (>75 years) newly hospitalized in a geriatric unit. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of ID, defined as serum ferritin < 100 µg/L and/or transferrin saturation coefficient (TSAT) <20%. Absolute ID was defined as serum ferritin < 100 µg/L and functional ID as serum ferritin ≥ 100 µg/L and TSAT < 20%. In this analysis, we explored ID prevalence according to the degree of CKD. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test was used to identify older patients at high risk of adverse events (e.g., disability, falls, hospitalization, death). Results 888 patients (mean age, 85.2 years; women, 63.5%) from 16 French centers were analyzed. Stages of CKD were: stage I, 3.8%; II, 53.2%; IIIa, 22.3%; IIIb, 13.3%; IV, 6.0% and V, 1.4%. ID prevalence in the entire cohort was 57.6% (495/859). When present, ID was absolute in 56.2% (278/495) of cases and functional in 43.8% (217/495). ID prevalence was 54.3% (265/488) in patients with stages I-II, and 61.9% (227/367) in patients with stages III-V (p = 0.0271). In the subgroup of anemic patients, ID prevalence was 58.9% (112/190) and 65.9% (147/223), respectively (p = 0.14). We assessed, according to the stages of CKD, various factors likely to affect or be associated with ID. Thus, in patients with at least three comorbidities, ID prevalence was 56.9% (74/130) in patients with stages I-II and 64.8% (142/219) with stages III-V (p = 0.14); in patients with heart failure, ID was present in 63.2% (36/57) and 60.3% (76/126), respectively (p = 0.71). If patients received treatments with possible effect on ID/anemia (e.g., anticoagulant, proton pump inhibitors, platelet antiaggregant), ID prevalence was 58.4% (192/329) for stages I-II and 62.7% (188/300) for stages III-V (p = 0.27). In patients with CRP ≥ 12 mg/L, ID prevalence was 73.8% (96/130) and 72.2% (117/162), respectively (p = 0.76). In univariate analysis of the entire cohort, degree of CKD (stages III-V vs. I-II), at least three comorbidities, CRP ≥ 12 mg/L, anemia and low serum albumin were significantly associated with ID. In multivariate analysis, CRP ≥ 12 mg was the only independent predictor of ID (odds ratio, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.92–4.08; p < 0.0001). In patients with stages I-II, physical performances were poor (SPPB score 0-6) in 44.5% (77/173) of patients without ID and 57.5% (119/207) with ID; in patients with stages III-V, SPPB scores were low in 55.6% (60/108) of patients without ID and 63.5% (106/167) with ID. Conclusion ID prevalence is high (over half of patients) in older patients admitted to a geriatric unit—particularly those with CKD—and is associated with inflammation and a low SPPB score. These new data underline the importance of more systematic screening for ID in older patients. Future randomized controlled trials should evaluate the efficacy of iron supplementation on the outcome of older patients with ID.

Abstract PO1-12-11: How do chemotherapy and age affect physical performance in breast cancer patients over 12 months of treatment? Results from the UPBEAT Study (UPBEAT WF-97415)

Abstract Introduction: Chemotherapy-associated functional decline is a concern for women with breast cancer. Objective: To assess effects of chemotherapy and age on objectively measured physical performance among women with breast cancer over time. Methods: Analyses utilized the multicenter, longitudinal Understanding and Predicting fatigue, cardiovascular decline, and events after BrEast cAncer sTudy (UPBEAT), a study conducted through the Wake Forest NCORP Research Base (5UG1CA189824). We examined physical performance at baseline and at 3 and 12 months and compared means across time by age group (< 65 years v. 65+ years at baseline) and by cancer/control group. For the latter variable, we had 3 groups of participants: 1) newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with Stage 1-3 breast cancer who received chemotherapy (CC; n= 201); 2) newly diagnosed breast cancer patients receiving no chemotherapy (CNC; n=57); and age-matched healthy controls (HC; n=145). The primary outcome was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score (range 0-12, worst to best performance, including chair stands, gait speed, and balance testing). Effects of cancer/control group, age group, and time (treated categorically rather than ordinally) were estimated in a mixed model with a random subject effect and fixed effects of time (baseline, 3 month, 12 month) and cancer/control group. In the model we included all first-order interactions as well as the one second-order interaction between all three predictors. We also used linear contrasts to compare estimated means within groups. Analyses were conducted in SAS 9.4. A two-tailed alpha of 0.05 was used throughout to denote statistical significance. Results: Among 403 patients accrued through the Wake Forest Research Base of NCORP, 201 were in the CC group, and 18.9% of these were aged 65 and older; 57 were in the CNC group, and 33.3% were older; and 145 were in the HC group, and 15.9% were 65 or older. We observed a significant (p< 0.0001) main effect of older age group in our model: across all 3 groups, and all 3 time points, those who were 65 years of age or older had worse SPPB scores than those who were younger. Healthy controls tended to have better mean scores than the other 2 cancer/control groups, though the main effect of group did not achieve statistical significance (p=0.06). We observed no significant interaction terms; in other words, the effect of being older (in terms of association with worse SPPB scores) did not vary by time or group. Within the CC group, both the older and the younger groups declined significantly (p=0.04) in mean SPPB at 3 months compared to baseline, but by 12 months, the means had returned to their starting points. No other groups showed significant changes over time. Conclusions: Chemotherapy was associated with decline in SPPB score over the 12-month time period regardless of age. Older adults, regardless of chemotherapy status and time point, had lower SPPB scores. Citation Format: Shirley Bluethmann, Beverly Levine, Brianna Leitzelar, Katherine Ansley, Alexandra Thomas, Nancy Avis, Gregory Hundley, Heidi Klepin, Kathryn Weaver, Glenn Lesser. How do chemotherapy and age affect physical performance in breast cancer patients over 12 months of treatment? Results from the UPBEAT Study (UPBEAT WF-97415) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-12-11.

Short physical performance battery is not associated with falls and injurious falls in older persons: longitudinal data of the SCOPE project.

Falls and fall-related injuries in older persons are a major public health problem. Our objective was to study the predictive value of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in the cohort of the SCOPE project on falls, injurious falls, and possible difference of prediction between indoors and outdoors falls. For this sub-study of the SCOPE project participants reporting no falls at baseline, and survey data on falls at the 12-month and 24-month follow-up were included. Participant´s characteristics were assessed during the baseline interview and medical examinations. Falls as well as injurious falls and fall circumstances were obtained self-reported. SPPB and its association with fallers vs. no fallers at 12 and at 24months were studied with logistic regression models. The 1198 participants had a median age of 79years (77-82), and a median SPPB of 10 (8-11), with a 52.5% of female. A total of 227 and 277 falls (12- and 24- month visits, respectively) were reported. In the crude model, the SPPB sum scores (p < 0.001) as well as most single item scores were significant different between fallers and non-fallers over time. However, the association was attenuated in models adjusted for age, sex, marital status, number of medications, quality of life, handgrip strength, and muscle mass [e.g., 12months; OR 0.94 (0.87-1.02)]. While SPPB fails to differentiate between injurious and non-injurious falls (p = 0.48), a lower SPPB score was associated with falls at home (p < 0.01) after 24months. SBPP was not able to significantly predict the risk of falling as well as experiencing an injurious fall. This study was registered prospectively on 25th February 2016 at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02691546).

Rehabilitation Prognostic Factors following Hip Fractures Associated with Patient's Pre-Fracture Mobility and Functional Ability: A Prospective Observation Study.

Low physical function is associated with poor outcomes in the elderly population suffering from hip fractures. The present study aims to evaluate the prognostic tools for predicting patient recovery after hip fractures and investigate the correlation between the pre-fracture motor and functional statuses. A prospective study was performed, including 80 patients suffering from hip fractures. Patient history, previous falls, the type of fracture and overall survival were evaluated. Patient-reported outcome measures (SF-36, EQ-5D/VAS, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Harris Hip Score (HHS)) were monitored before hospital discharge at 6 weeks, and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Overall, 55% of patients experienced at least one fall, and 46% of them used crutches before the fracture. The average CCI score was 6.9. The SPPB score improved from 1.4 ± 1.3 (1 week) to 4.4 ± 2.1 (48 weeks). A one-year age increase, female sex, and prior history of falls lead to 0.1-, 0.92-, 0.56-fold lower SPPB scores, respectively, at 12 months. The HHS recorded the greatest improvement between 6 and 12 weeks (52.1 ± 14.6), whereas the TUG score continued to improve significantly from 139.1 ± 52.6 s (6 weeks) to 66.4 ± 54 s (48 weeks). The SPPB and performance test can be routinely used as a prognostic tool.

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

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

GDF-15 Is Associated with Poor Physical Function in Prefrail Older Adults with Diabetes.

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) has been shown to be a metabolic and appetite regulator in diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity. We aimed to investigate (i) the association between GDF-15 and DM with and without poor physical function independent of inflammation and (ii) the prediction model for poor physical function in prefrail older adults. A cross-sectional study of 108-prefrail participants ≥60 years recruited for multidomain interventions. Data was collected for demographics, cognition, function, frailty, nutrition, handgrip strength (HGS), short physical performance battery (SPPB), and gait speed. Serum concentrations of GDF-15, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured. GDF-15 was classified into tertiles (T1, T2, and T3), and its association was studied with DM and physical function (DM poor physical function, DM no poor physical function, no DM poor physical function, and no DM no poor physical function). Compared with T1, participants in T3 were significantly older, had a lower education level, had almost three times higher prevalence of DM, slower gait speed, longer chair-stand time, and lower SPPB scores. On multivariate analysis, the odds of having both DM and poor physical performance compared to having no DM and no poor physical performance were significantly higher in GDF-15 T3 vs. GDF-15 T1 (aOR 9.7, 95% CI 1.4-67.7; p = 0.021), and the odds of having DM no poor physical function compared to having no DM and no poor physical performance were significantly higher in GDF-15 T2 (aOR 12.7, 95% CI 1.1-143.7; p = 0.040) independent of BMI, IL-6, TNF-α, nutrition, physical function, education, age, and gender. The association of GDF-15 with DM-associated poor physical function is independent of inflammation in prefrail older adults. Its causal-association link needs to be determined in longitudinal studies.

Patterns of improvement in functional ability and predictors of responders to dual-task exercise: A latent class analysis.

Exercise is the pillar for healthy aging. "Non-responders" may be due to a mismatch in exercise prescription. A latent cluster analysis (LCA) profile can be useful to uncover subpopulations sharing similar profiles or outcomes. We aim to use the LCA to develop a response prediction model for older adults who would benefit from The Healthy Aging Promotion Program for You, a community-embedded dual-task exercise program. A total of 197 participants completed the 3-month follow-up, and the complete data were available for 136 community-dwelling older adults. Inclusion criteria were age ≥60 years, pre-frail or frail and ambulant, mild cognitive impairment, and ability to provide consent. Data collected include demographics, education, falls, physical function (Katz ADL scale and Lawton's IADL scale), physical activity (rapid assessment of physical activity), cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment; MoCA), frailty (FRAIL scale), and perceived health, pain, anxiety/depression, fear of falling, and social isolation (Lubben Social Network Scale). The body mass index (BMI), handgrip strength, and short physical performance battery (SPPB) were measured. Those who improved in frailty, anxiety/depression, pain, Lubben, MoCA, SPPB, fear-of-falling, physical activity, falls, and HGS were classified as responders. The mean age was 74.7 years, BMI 23.5 kg/m2, 23.5% were male, 96.3% were of Chinese ethnicity, 61% were pre-frail, education level of 4.3 years, and the MoCA score of 23.3 ± 4.8. Two clusters were identified: non-responders (61.8%) and responders (38.2%). Responders had significant improvement in cognition (44.2% vs. 0, p < 0.001) and SPPB (gait:28.8% vs. 0, p < 0.001; balance:42.3% vs. 15.5%, p = 0.001; chair-stand:65.4% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.001). Responders were significantly older (76.9 vs. 73.3 years, p = 0.005), had higher BMI (24.8 vs. 22.8 kg/m2, p = 0.007), lower education (3.4 vs. 4.9 years, p = 0.021), lower MoCA scores (21.8 vs. 24.3, p = 0.002), and lower SPPB scores (8.7 vs. 10.6, p < 0.001). The predictive variables for the responder cluster were age ≥75 years, BMI ≥23 kg/m2, robust, no anxiety, pain, fear of falling, MoCA ≤22, Lubben ≤12, SPPB score: chair-stand ≤2, balance ≤2, gait >2, handgrip strength <20 kg, no falls and RAPA >3. With an optimal cut-off of ≥12, this prediction model had sensitivity of 76.9%, specificity of 70.2%, positive predictive value 61.5%, and negative predictive value of 83.1%. Response to dual-task exercise was influenced by age, SPPB, BMI, and cognition. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to validate this LCA model and guide the development of public health strategies.

Aging-Related Multisystem Dysregulation Over the Adult Life Span and Physical Function in Later Life: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

Multisystem dysregulation (Dm) shows promise as a metric of aging and predicts mortality. However, Dm needs to be studied with less severe endpoints indicating modifiable aging stages. Physical function, reflecting healthy longevity rather than just longevity, is more relevant to the goals of geroscience but has not been well investigated. We tested the association of midlife Dm and its change over ~20 years with physical function in later life in 5 583 the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study cohort participants (baseline mean age 54.7). Dm quantifies the multivariate statistical deviation of 17 physiologically motivated biomarkers relative to their distribution in a young healthy sample at baseline. Physical function was assessed from grip strength and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Associations were quantified using linear regression and ordinal logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, race, and education. Each unit increment in midlife Dm was associated with 1.71 times the odds of having a lower SPPB score. Compared to the first quartile of midlife Dm, the odds ratios of having a lower SPPB score were 1.25, 1.56, and 2.45, respectively, for the second-fourth quartiles. Similar graded association patterns were observed for each SPPB component test and grip strength. An inverse monotonic relationship also was observed between the annual growth rate of Dm and physical function. Greater Dm and progression in midlife were associated with lower physical function in later life. Future studies on the factors that lead to the progression of Dm may highlight opportunities to preserve physical function.

Relationship of self-reported and performance-based visual function with performance-based measures of physical function: the Health ABC study.

To assess the relationship between self-reported and performance-based visual impairment (VI) and lower extremity physical function. Cross-sectional analysis of 2219 Health ABC participants who completed vision testing and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Linear regression models used either self-reported (weighted visual function question (VFQ) score)) or performance-based (visual acuity (VA), log contrast sensitivity (LCS), Frisby stereoacuity (SA)) to predict SPPB or its components-gait speed, chair stands, or standing balance-with and without covariate adjustment. Mean age was 73.5 years (range 69-80); 52.4% were female and 37.4% African American. All VI measures were strongly associated with SPPB in unadjusted and adjusted models (p<0.001). A self-reported VFQ score 1 standard deviation lower than the mean (mean 87.8 out of 100) demonstrated a -0.241(95% CI:-0.325, -0.156) adjusted difference in SPPB. After controlling for covariates, VA of <20/40 (41%) demonstrated a -0.496(-0.660, -0.331) lower SPPB score while SA score>85 arcsec (30%) had a -0.449(-0.627, -0.271) adjusted SPPB score versus those with better visual function. LCS<1.55 (28.6%) was associated with a -0.759(-0.938, -0.579) lower and LCS≤1.30 (8%) with a -1.216(-1.515, -0.918) lower adjusted SPPB score relative to better LCS. In a final multivariable model containing multiple vision measures, LCS remained independently associated with SPPB and all components, while SA remained associated with balance (all p<0.05). Both self-reported and performance-based VI are strongly associated with poor lower extremity physical function. These findings may identify a subgroup of older adults with co-existing visual and physical dysfunction who may benefit from targeted screening and intervention to prevent disability.

HbA1c and physical performance in older adults from different aging epidemiological contexts: Longitudinal findings of the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS)

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the longitudinal predictions between glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and physical performance scores in different epidemiological contexts of aging. Material and Methods: Longitudinal data of 1,337 older people from three countries (Canada, Brazil and Colombia) of the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS) were used to assess the relationship between HbA1c and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores between 2012 and 2016. Linear Mixed Models grouped by sex and adjusted by Age, Study site, Chronic Conditions, Anthropometric Measures, and Inflammatory Level were used to estimate the influence of HbA1c and covariates on SPPB scores. ResultsAt the IMIAS baseline, Latin American (LA) cities had higher HbA1c averages compared to Canadian cities, with Natal (Brazil) being the city with the highest HbA1c averages in men and women (6.32 ± 1.49; 6,56 ± 1.70 respectively). SPPB scores were significantly lower in LA cities, and older people in Natal had lower SPPB averages in men (9.67 ± 2.38; p-value < 0.05) and women (8.52 ± 2.33; p-value <0.05). In the multivariate mixed linear models of longitudinal analyses, HbA1c was significantly associated with lower SPPB scores in men (β = -0.25, 95% CI: -0.39 to -0.12, p-value = 0.02) but not in women. ConclusionHigh HbA1c levels at baseline were longitudinally associated in older adults from different countries, and this association was observed only in men and not in women. This study highlights a possible influence of gender on this relationship.

Physical Function and Subsequent Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

BackgroundReduced physical function, a representative phenotype of aging, has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few studies have comprehensively investigated its association with composite and individual CVD outcomes in community‐dwelling older adults and its predictive value for CVD beyond traditional risk factors.Methods and ResultsWe studied 5570 participants (mean age 75 [SD 5] years, female 58%, Black 22%) at visit 5 (2011–2013) of the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study. Physical function was evaluated with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which incorporates a walk test, chair stands, and balance tests. The SPPB score was modeled categorically (low [0–6], intermediate [7–9], and high [10–12]) and continuously. We assessed the associations of SPPB score with subsequent composite (coronary heart disease, stroke, or heart failure) and individual CVD outcomes (components within composite outcome) using multivariable Cox models adjusting for major CVD risk factors and history of CVD. We also evaluated improvement in C‐statistics by adding SPPB to traditional CVD risk factors in the Pooled Cohort Equation. Among the study participants, 13% had low, 30% intermediate, and 57% high SPPB scores. During a median follow‐up of 7.0 (interquartile interval 5.3–7.8) years, there were 930 composite CVD events (386 coronary heart disease, 251 stroke, and 529 heart failure cases). The hazard ratios of composite CVD in low and intermediate versus high SPPB score were 1.47 (95% CI, 1.20–1.79) and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.07–1.46), respectively, after adjusting for potential confounders. Continuous SPPB score demonstrated independent associations with each CVD outcome. The associations were largely consistent across subgroups (including participants with prevalent CVD at baseline). The addition of SPPB to traditional CVD risk factors significantly improved the C‐statistics of CVD outcomes (eg, ΔC‐statistic 0.019 [95% CI, 0.011–0.027] for composite CVD).ConclusionsReduced physical function was independently associated with the risk of composite and individual CVD outcomes and improved their risk prediction beyond traditional risk factors in community‐dwelling older adults. Although confirmatory studies are needed, our results suggest the potential usefulness of SPPB for classifying CVD risk in older adults.

An improved method to assess skeletal muscle mass in patients with liver cirrhosis based on computed tomography images.

Conventionally, the skeletal muscle area with computed tomography (CT) attenuation ranging from -29 to +150 Hounsfield unit (HU) divided by height squared (the conventional skeletal muscle index [SMI]) was used as an index of skeletal muscle mass. However, it includes fat-infiltrated skeletal muscle, which is known to have poor function. This study aims to determine whether the low-fat SMI, which uses skeletal muscle mass with CT attenuation ranging from +30 to +150 HU, or conventional SMI appropriately reflects the function of skeletal muscle. We retrospectively analyzed 120 patients with cirrhosis whose handgrip strength was measured. Among them, 48 patients underwent a physical performance assessment such as liver frailty index (LFI) and short physical performance battery (SPPB), and 80 underwent quality of life (QOL) assessment. The relationships between each SMI and handgrip strength, LFI, SPPB, and QOL were evaluated. Low-fat SMI was significantly correlated with handgrip strength (males, R=0.393, p=0.002; females, R=0.423, p<0.001) and LFI (males, R=-0.535, p=0.035; females, R=-0.368, p=0.039), whereas conventional SMI was not. When using low-fat SMI, patients with low skeletal muscle mass had significantly low handgrip strength, LFI, SPPB, and physical and social-related QOL score than those without. By contrast, no significant differences were found for any items when using conventional SMI. Low-fat SMI is a good index of skeletal muscle mass that appropriately reflects skeletal muscle function.

Elevated plasma zonulin and CAF22 are correlated with sarcopenia and functional dependency at various stages of Alzheimer’s diseases

Age-related muscle decline, termed sarcopenia, is closely linked to dementia; however, its causative factors in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are poorly characterized. We investigated the plasma biomarkers of increased intestinal permeability (zonulin) and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disruption (c-terminal agrin fragment-22; CAF22), in healthy controls (n = 53) and patients with early, mild, and moderate AD (n = 46–56/group). We also evaluated the body composition, handgrip strength (HGS), and short physical performance battery (SPPB) as markers of sarcopenia and functional capacity, respectively. Patients with AD had elevated plasma zonulin and CAF22, along with reduced HGS, gait speed, and SPPB scores than controls (all p < 0.05). Plasma zonulin and CAF22 exhibited robust negative associations with HGS and relatively weak but statistically significant associations with gait speed and ASMI (all p < 0.05). Lower SPPB scores were associated with elevated plasma zonulin and CAF22 levels. Patients with moderate AD had higher plasma zonulin, CAF22, prevalence of sarcopenia, and lower HGS and SPPB scores than patients with early AD. These patients also presented with upregulation of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Altogether, AD was associated with an advanced sarcopenia phenotype, and plasma zonulin and CAF22 may be useful in assessing sarcopenia and functional dependency in AD patients.

Sarcopenic obesity is associated with impaired physical function and mortality in older patients with heart failure: insight from FRAGILE-HF

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to clarify the prevalence, association with frailty and exercise capacity, and prognostic implication of sarcopenic obesity in patients with heart failure.MethodsThe present study included 779 older adults hospitalized with heart failure (median age: 81 years; 57.4% men). Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the guidelines by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Obesity was defined as the percentage of body fat mass (FM) obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The FM cut-off points for obesity were 38% for women and 27% for men. The primary endpoint was 1-year all-cause death. We assessed the associations of sarcopenic obesity occurrence with the short physical performance battery (SPPB) score and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD).ResultsThe rates of sarcopenia and obesity were 19.3 and 26.2%, respectively. The patients were classified into the following groups: non-sarcopenia/non-obesity (58.5%), non-sarcopenia/obesity (22.2%), sarcopenia/non-obesity (15.3%), and sarcopenia/obesity (4.0%). The sarcopenia/obesity group had a lower SPPB score and shorter 6MWD, which was independent of age and sex (coefficient, − 0.120; t-value, − 3.74; P < 0.001 and coefficient, − 77.42; t-value, − 3.61; P < 0.001; respectively). Ninety-six patients died during the 1-year follow-up period. In a Cox proportional hazard analysis, sarcopenia and obesity together were an independent prognostic factor even after adjusting for a coexisting prognostic factor (non-sarcopenia/non-obesity vs. sarcopenia/obesity: hazard ratio, 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–5.04; P = 0.012).ConclusionSarcopenic obesity is a risk factor for all-cause death and low physical function in older adults with heart failure.Trial registrationUniversity Hospital Information Network (UMIN-CTR: UMIN000023929).

Restless legs syndrome severity associated with reduced physical function in adults with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundRestless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that occurs in approximately 26 % of adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) and may be associated with reduced physical function. Research questionThe present study examined the relationship between RLS symptomology (i.e., overall severity, frequency, and occurrence) and physical function outcomes in adults with MS who had RLS. MethodsParticipants (N = 22) with MS who had RLS came into the laboratory for a single session wherein a rater performed a brief neurological examination for scoring the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and completed a demographics questionnaire, the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Scale (IRLS), and the Restless Legs Syndrome Scale-6 (RLS-6) followed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the Six-minute Walk Test (6 MW). ResultsBivariate Spearman’s rho correlation analyses indicated total IRLS had a strong, negative association with total distance traveled during the 6 MW (ρ = −0.50) and a moderate association with SPPB scores (ρ = −0.43), but not EDSS scores (ρ = 0.28). RLS severity during the day while active had strong, negative associations with total distance traveled during the 6 MW (ρ = −0.61) and SPPB scores (ρ = −0.52), but not EDSS scores (ρ = 0.13). SignificanceWe observed associations between worse overall RLS severity and RLS severity during the day while active with reduced performance during the 6 MW and lower SPPB scores. The management of RLS may offer an opportunity for mitigating reductions in physical function in adults with MS who have RLS.

Modifiable predictive factors and all-cause mortality in the non-hospitalized elderly population: An umbrella review of meta-analyses.

This umbrella review aimed to summarize the association between modifiable predictive factors and all-cause mortality in the non-hospitalized elderly population, and estimated the credibility and strength of the current evidence. PubMed, Embase, Web of science, and EBSCOhost were searched up to February 28, 2022. Random-effect summary effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), heterogeneity, small-study effect, excess significance bias, as well as 95% prediction intervals (PIs) were calculated. Methodological quality was assessed with the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) tool. The credibility of the included meta-analyses was graded from convincing to weak using established criteria. This umbrella review was registered with PROSPERO, CRD 42021282183. In total, 32 predictive factors involving 49 associations extracted from 35 meta-analyses were analyzed. Forty-three of the 49 (87.8%) associations presented nominal significant effects by the random-effect model (P<0.05), of which 34 had harmful associations and nine had beneficial associations with all-cause mortality. Frailty (FRAIL scale), low short physical performance battery (SPPB) score, and fewer daily steps carried a more than three-fold risk for all-cause mortality. Convincing evidence showed that weight fluctuation, prefrailty and frailty status, sarcopenia, low SPPB score, fewer daily steps, and fatigue increased the risk of all-cause mortality, while daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) duration and total physical activity participation reduced the risk of death. There were twenty, nine, five, and six associations that yielded highly suggestive, suggestive, weak, and non-significant grades of evidence. Thirty-four (69.4%) of the associations exhibited significant heterogeneity. Twenty-two associations presented 95% PIs excluding the null value, two indicated small-study effects, and three had evidence for excess significance bias, respectively. The methodological quality of most meta-analyses was rated as low (37.1%) or critically low (42.9%). A summary of the currently available meta-analyses suggests that a broad range of modifiable predictive factors are significantly associated with all-cause mortality risk in the non-hospitalized elderly population. The most credible evidence indicates that physical function represented by frailty and sarcopenia, as well as physical activity, are significant predictors for all-cause mortality. This umbrella review may provide prognostic information to direct appropriate diagnostic evaluation and treatment goals in the future. More solid evidence is still needed coming from moderate-to-high quality meta-analyses.

Poor Physical Performance Is Associated with Postoperative Complications and Mortality in Preoperative Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

Introduction: Poor physical performance has been shown to be a good predictor of complications in some pathologies. The objective of our study was to evaluate, in patients with colorectal neoplasia prior to surgery, physical performance and its relationship with postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality, at 1 month and at 6 months. Methods: We conducted a prospective study on patients with preoperative colorectal neoplasia, between October 2018 and July 2021. Physical performance was evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test and hand grip strength (HGS). For a decrease in physical performance, SPPB < 10 points or HGS below the EWGSOP2 cut-off points was considered. Nutritional status was evaluated using subjective global assessment (SGA). The prevalence of postoperative complications and mortality during admission, at 1 month, and at 6 months was evaluated. Results: A total of 296 patients, mean age 60.4 ± 12.8 years, 59.3% male, were evaluated. The mean BMI was 27.6 ± 5.1 kg/m2. The mean total SPPB score was 10.57 ± 2.07 points. A total of 69 patients presented a low SPPB score (23.3%). Hand grip strength showed a mean value of 33.1 ± 8.5 kg/m2 for men and 20.7 ± 4.3 kg/m2 for women. A total of 58 patients presented low HGS (19.6%). SGA found 40.2% (119) of patients with normal nourishment, 32.4% (96) with moderate malnutrition, and 27.4% (81) with severe malnutrition. Postoperative complications were more frequent in patients with a low SPPB score (60.3% vs. 38.6%; p = 0.002) and low HGS (64.9% vs. 39.3%, p = 0.001). A low SPPB test score (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.37–4.79, p = 0.003) and low HGS (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.37–5.29, p = 0.004) were associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications after adjusting for tumor stage and age. Patients with a low SPPB score presented an increase in in-hospital mortality (8.7% vs. 0.9%; p = 0.021), at 1 month (8.7% vs. 1.3%; p = 0.002) and at 6 months (13.1% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.001). Patients with low HGS presented an increase in mortality at 6 months (10.5% vs. 3.3%; p = 0.022). Conclusions: The decrease in physical performance, evaluated by the SPPB test or hand grip strength, was elevated in patients with colorectal cancer prior to surgery and was related to an increase in postoperative complications and mortality.

The Short Physical Performance Battery Score Is Associated With Quality Of Life In Black And Hispanic Outpatients With Stable Congestive Heart Failure

Introduction Functional status is associated with poor health outcomes, including quality of life. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is commonly used to assess functional status. However, there are limited data describing quantifiable functional status limitations in Black and Hispanic patients with stable congestive heart failure. We hypothesized that in a Black and Hispanic outpatient population with heart failure, low functional capacity, as determined by low SPPB score, would be associated with worse quality of life. Methods The multicenter, prospective, Screening for Cardiac Amyloidosis in Minority Populations (SCAN-MP) study identified Black and Hispanic subjects with heart failure, collected baseline characteristics, and measured SPPB. Quality of life was measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). SPPB scores were stratified into severe functional deficit (0-6), mild functional deficit (7-9) and no functional deficit (10-12). Results Of 220 patients in the study, 201 (91.3%) completed the SPPB. SPPB score was associated with the overall KCCQ score and with multiple subdomains of the KCCQ, but not exclusively with physical limitation (Table 1). Patients with low SPPB scores were more likely to be older, female, have higher BMI and NYHA class, less education, more comorbidities, and worse Six-Minute Walk Test (Table 2). Conclusion Among Black and Hispanic outpatients with stable heart failure, stepwise decrements in functional status, as defined by the SPPB, are associated with overall KCCQ score, and scores across a variety of sub-domains. These findings suggest that targeted interventions to improve patients’ functional status could broadly benefit quality of life. Functional status is associated with poor health outcomes, including quality of life. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is commonly used to assess functional status. However, there are limited data describing quantifiable functional status limitations in Black and Hispanic patients with stable congestive heart failure. We hypothesized that in a Black and Hispanic outpatient population with heart failure, low functional capacity, as determined by low SPPB score, would be associated with worse quality of life. The multicenter, prospective, Screening for Cardiac Amyloidosis in Minority Populations (SCAN-MP) study identified Black and Hispanic subjects with heart failure, collected baseline characteristics, and measured SPPB. Quality of life was measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). SPPB scores were stratified into severe functional deficit (0-6), mild functional deficit (7-9) and no functional deficit (10-12). Of 220 patients in the study, 201 (91.3%) completed the SPPB. SPPB score was associated with the overall KCCQ score and with multiple subdomains of the KCCQ, but not exclusively with physical limitation (Table 1). Patients with low SPPB scores were more likely to be older, female, have higher BMI and NYHA class, less education, more comorbidities, and worse Six-Minute Walk Test (Table 2). Among Black and Hispanic outpatients with stable heart failure, stepwise decrements in functional status, as defined by the SPPB, are associated with overall KCCQ score, and scores across a variety of sub-domains. These findings suggest that targeted interventions to improve patients’ functional status could broadly benefit quality of life.

Visual Function, Physical Function, and Activities of Daily Living in Two Aging Communities.

PurposeWe report the distribution of visual acuity impairment (VAI), contrast sensitivity impairment (CSI) and their associations with physical health in an aging population.MethodsIn this cross-sectional analysis, VAI was categorized as mild (20/40–20/60) and moderate or greater (<20/60) in the better eye for distance and near vision. CSI was categorized as moderate (1.04–1.50 logCS) and severe or profound (<1.04 logCS). Physical outcomes included the short physical performance battery (SPPB) scores, self-reported quality of life (QoL) scores, physical limitations, difficulty with activity of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL). The associations between VAI and CSI with physical outcomes were explored overall and by community.ResultsThere were 494 Black Jackson and 558 White Washington County participants. The mean age was 80 years, 63% were female, and 15% had VAIdistance presenting. Moderate or greater VAInear presenting was associated with higher prevalence of greater physical limitations (prevalence ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.44) and IADL difficulties (prevalence ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–2.38), but not ADL difficulties. Associations of VAIdistance presenting with physical limitations and lower SPPB scores, and CSI with physical limitations, IADL difficulties, lower QoL, and lower SPPB scores were found. A stratified analysis showed stronger associations in Jackson.ConclusionsVAI and CSI were associated with poor physical health. These associations should be understood in the context of community differences.Translational RelevanceCommunity-based factors may mitigate the impact of vision loss on physical outcomes. Public health endeavors are needed to address VAI and CSI to optimize physical health in the older adults with poor vision.

Short Physical Performance Battery as a Measure of Physical Performance and Mortality Predictor in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

The association between the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score and several adverse health outcomes, including mortality, has been reported in the scientific literature. We conducted a comprehensive literature review of studies on the relationship between SPPB and mortality. The current paper synthesizes the characteristics and main findings of longitudinal studies available in the literature that investigated the role of the SPPB in predicting mortality in older adults. The studies (n = 40) are from North America, South America, Europe, and Asia; the majority (n = 16) were conducted with community-dwelling older adults and reported an association between lower SPPB scores and a higher risk of mortality, and between higher SPPB scores and higher survival. Nevertheless, few studies have analyzed the accuracy of the instrument to predict mortality. The only study that established cut-off points was conducted with older adults discharged from an acute care hospital. Although an SPPB score lower than 10 seems to predict all-cause mortality, further studies showing cut-off points in specific settings and loco-regional specificities are still necessary.