Lower Short Physical Performance Battery Research Articles

Factors Associated with Frailty Transitions among the Old-Old in Community: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: The identification of older adults with different frailty transitions, especially the old-old, is beneficial for stratified management. However, the factors associated with frailty transition in the elderly have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore frailty transitions and associated factors among older adults. Methods: The participants were all from a prospective cohort study of older adults aged ≥75 years in a continuing care retirement community in Beijing, China. Frailty states were assessed using FRAIL at baseline and 1-year follow-up. The association between factors, including comprehensive geriatric assessment and laboratory indicators such as serum albumin and highsensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and frailty transitions were explored by binary logistic regression. The predicted value of the factors associated with frailty transitions was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated. Results: A total of 183 older adults (mean age: 83.9±4.4 years; females, 59%) completed the frailty state assessment at baseline and 1-year followup. After adjusting for age and sex, walking speed(odds ratio [OR], 0.01; 95%confidence interval [CI]: 0.002-0.12),timed up-and-go (TUG) test(OR:1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15), short physical performance battery(OR:0.79, 95% CI :0.68-0.92), serum albumin (OR:0.78, 95% CI:0.64-0.94), and serum hsCRP (OR:1.21, 95% CI:1.00-1.47) were associated with worsening of the frailty state. Cognitive function (OR:6.73, 95% CI:1.15-39.19) was associated with improving the frailty state. ROC analysis showed that low walking speed (AUC:0.81), long TUG test time(AUC:0.77), low Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)score (AUC:0.75), low serum albumin (AUC:0.68), and high serum hsCRP(AUC:0.80) could predict the decline in frailty state. Good cognitive function (AUC: 0.69) predicted an improvement in the frailty state. Conclusions: Frailty is dynamic. The frailty state of the old-old with poor physical function, low serum albumin, and high serum hsCRP was more likely to decline, but it was more likely to improve with good cognitive function. Walking speed, TUG test, SPPB, serum albumin, serum hsCRP, and cognitive function may predict frailty transitions among the old-old.

The relationship between objective measures of physical function and serum lactate dehydrogenase in older adults with cancer prior to treatment.

BackgroundLactate dehydrogenase (LDH) reflects tumor burden and is a prognosticator of all-cause mortality in patients with cancer. Objective measures of physical function are associated with clinically relevant outcomes in older adults with cancer. However, whether physical function is associated with LDH in geriatric oncology is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between objective measures of physical function and serum LDH in older adults with cancer prior to treatment.MethodsData from older adults with cancer prior to treatment were retrieved from an institutional database and medical records within a tertiary cancer centre. Physical function measures involved muscle strength and physical performance. Muscle strength and physical performance were assessed through grip strength and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), respectively. LDH was log transformed using the natural logarithm. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between objective measures of physical function and LDH prior to treatment in all participants. Stratified analyses were performed for participants with solid and hematological cancers.ResultsA total of 257 participants (mean age: 80.2y) were included in the analysis. Most participants were females (50.6%) and were diagnosed with locally advanced (26.8%), gastrointestinal disease (35.0%). The multivariable analysis indicated that SPPB was inversely associated with LDH in all participants (B = -0.019, 95%CI = -0.036 to -0.002, p = 0.028). Notably, the inverse relationship between SPPB and LDH persisted only in patients with hematological malignancies in the multivariable model of the stratified analysis (B = -0.049, 95%CI = -0.087 to -0.011, p = 0.013). Neither grip strength alone nor the combination of low grip strength and/or SPPB were associated with LDH. Compared to participants with metastatic disease, those with localized or locally advanced disease had lower serum LDH.ConclusionPhysical performance is inversely associated with serum LDH in older adults with hematological cancers prior to treatment.

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.

Physical performance as a predictor of mortality in nursing home residents: A five-year survival analysis

This study developed a five-year survival analysis to verify the relationship between the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and death in older adults residing in nursing homes (NHs). A total of 114 residents of NHs in Northeast Brazil participated in the follow-up. In addition to the SPPB, the older adults answered questions about sociodemographic and health condition information. The relationship between physical performance and mortality was evaluated using the Kaplan Meier survival curves and Cox proportional regression. As a result, 61.40% of the participants presented low performance and 41.22% died. Low physical performance increased the chance of death by 2.77 times in five years (adjusted Hazard Ratio 2.77; 95% CI 1.40–5.50; p < 0.01). Low SPPB Gait Speed Test also represented a 2.58-fold increased risk of dying (adjusted HR 2.58; 95% CI 1.38–4.83; p < 0.01). The results of this study showed that low physical performance can predict the mortality of older adults residing in NHs over five years.

Objective measures of physical function and their association with cognitive impairment in older adults with cancer prior to treatment

IntroductionObjective measures of physical function are associated with cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. Many older adults experience cognitive declines prior to cancer treatment initiation. Thus, it is unclear whether the association between low physical function and cognitive impairment is generalizable to older adults with cancer prior to treatment. Our objective was to examine whether objective measures of physical function were associated with cognitive impairment in geriatric oncology patients prior to treatment. Materials and methodsWe used prospectively collected data from an institutional database within a cancer centre and electronic medical records of older adults who had undergone a geriatric assessment before cancer treatment. Objective measures of physical function included grip strength and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Cognitive impairment was assessed via the Mini-Cog. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether grip strength and SPPB were associated with cognitive impairment prior to cancer treatment in all patients, as well as in patients with moderate-to-high comorbidity as part of a sensitivity analysis. ResultsA total of 386 older adults (mean age 80.9 years) were included in the analysis. Most participants (65.3%) had low grip strength and/or low SPPB, whereas 42.2% were cognitively impaired. Neither low grip strength (odds ratio [OR] = 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92–2.63, p = 0.097) nor low SPPB (OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 0.69–2.42, p = 0.41) alone or combined (OR = 1.05, 95%CI = 0.59–1.88, p = 0.85) were significantly associated with cognitive impairment in multivariable analyses of all patients. However, low SPPB was significantly associated with cognitive impairment in the sensitivity analysis restricted to patients with moderate-to-high comorbidity (OR = 4.05, 95%CI = 1.50–10.95, p = 0.006). Dependence in one or more instrumental activities of daily living [IADLs] was consistently associated with cognitive impairment in the main and sensitivity analyses. DiscussionLow physical performance and IADL dependence are associated with cognitive impairment in patients with moderate-to-high comorbidity prior to cancer treatment. Scrutiny is advised for these patients to assess for possible cognitive impairment. Larger studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

The impact of pre-treatment muscle strength and physical performance on treatment modification in older adults with cancer following comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Grip strength (GS) and the short physical performance battery (SPPB) have been shown to predict clinical outcomes in older adults with cancer. However, whether pre-treatment GS and SPPB impact treatment decisions following comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is poorly understood. Our objective was to assess the impact of low GS and/or SPPB on treatment modification to initially proposed treatment plans in older adults with cancer following CGA. This was a retrospective cohort study of older adults who had undergone CGA before receiving cancer treatment. Data were retrieved from a prospective database in an academic cancer centre and medical records. Treatment modification following CGA was defined as reduced treatment intensity or transition from active treatment to supportive care. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the impact of pre-treatment GS and SPPB on treatment modification following CGA. In total, 515 older adults (mean age: 80.7y) who had undergone CGA prior to cancer treatment were included. Low muscle strength and/or physical performance was observed in 66.4% of participants. Treatment was modified in 49.5% of the cohort following CGA. Low GS and/or SPPB combined was predictive of treatment modification (OR = 1.77, 95%CI = 1.07-2.90, P = 0.025) in multivariable analysis. Additional predictors of treatment modification included palliative treatment intent, comorbidities and malnutrition. Low GS and/or SPPB combined prior to cancer treatment predicts treatment modification in older adults with cancer and may be useful in treatment decision-making. Management of poor muscle strength and physical performance should be offered to optimize patient care and potentially improve treatment outcomes.

Static Balance and Chair-Rise Performance in Neurogeriatric Patients: Promising Short Physical Performance Battery-Derived Predictors of Fear of Falling.

Background:Fear of falling (FOF) negatively affects health-related quality of life and is common in neurogeriatric patients, however, related parameters are not well understood. This study investigated the relationship between FOF, physical performance (as assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery and its subscores) and other aspects of sarcopenia in a sample of hospitalized neurogeriatric patients.MethodsIn 124 neurogeriatric patients, FOF was assessed with the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I). Physical performance was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) including walking duration, balance and five times sit-to-stand task (5xSST) subscores. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) was estimated with the cross-validated Sergi equation using Bioelectrical impedance analysis measures. The Depression im Alter-Skala (DIA-S) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Multiple regression models with FES-I score as outcome variable were computed using backward selection with AICc as selection criterion, including: (i) SPPB total score, ASMM/height2, grip strength, age, gender, positive fall history, number of medications, use of a walking aid, DIA-S score and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score; and (ii) SPPB subscores, ASMM/height2, grip strength, age, gender, positive fall history, number of medications, DIA-S score and MoCA score, once with and once without including use of a walking aid as independent variable.ResultsLower SPPB total score, as well as lower SPPB balance and 5xSST subscores were associated with higher FES-I scores, but SPPB walking duration subscore was not. Moreover, DIA-S, number of medications and use of a walking aid were significantly associated with FOF.ConclusionOur preliminary results suggest that -if confirmed by subsequent studies- it may be worthwhile to screen patients with low SPPB balance and 5xSST subscores for FOF, and to treat especially these mobility deficits in neurogeriatric patients with FOF. Moreover, training neurogeriatric patients to use their walking aids correctly, critical evaluation of medication and treating depressive symptoms may further help reduce FOF in this highly vulnerable cohort.

Prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with gynecological cancer

The aim of the study was to investigate a prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with gynecological cancer in accordance with current diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia. A series of 513 patients with gynecological cancer who were intended to newly receive initial or salvage treatment were recruited in a prospective study. Eligible patients were examined with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and underwent handgrip strength test and the Short Physical Performance Battery before treatment. Sarcopenia was defined as both low skeletal muscle mass (skeletal muscle mass index) and low muscle strength (handgrip strength of <18.0 kg) or both low skeletal muscle mass index and low physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery score of ≤9). A total of 475 patients (92.6%) were completely assessed in this study. Eligible patients' median age was 60 years (range: 29-89 years). Frequencies of patients with low skeletal muscle mass index, low hand grip strength and low Short Physical Performance Battery were 118 (24.8%), 70 (14.7%) and 80 (16.8%), respectively. Sarcopenia was finally identified in 45 patients (9.5%), which accounted for 38.1% of patients with low skeletal muscle mass index, 64.3% of the patients with low hand grip strength and 56.3% of the patients with low physical performance, respectively. The prevalence of sarcopenia of 9.5% in patients with gynecological malignancy who were scheduled to newly receive an initial or a salvage treatment. A large-scale, nation-wide study might be planned to elucidate an accurate prevalence of sarcopenia among gynecologic cancer patients.

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.

Chronic Critical Illness in Patients With Sepsis is Associated With Persistent Anemia, Inflammation, and Impaired Functional Outcomes.

Survivors of sepsis will progress towards rapid recovery (RAP) or enter a state of persistent organ dysfunction and chronic critical illness (CCI). Independently, anemia is known to be a significant factor in functional recovery of hospitalized patients. This study aims to analyze long-term hemoglobin levels and functional outcomes following RAP and CCI. A prospective, cohort study was performed in septic patients who were stratified into RAP (N = 54) with ICU length of stay < 14days or CCI (N = 63) with ICU length of stay > 14 days. CBC and plasma inflammatory markers were measured on the day of enrollment, weekly until day 42, then at 3 and 6months. Functional outcomes using Zubrod scale, gait speed test, and total short physical performance battery (SPPB) were assessed at 3, 6, and 12months. Mean age was 59years (range: 20-83) and 62% were male. Hemoglobin was significantly decreased at 3 and 6months in CCI compared to RAP (8.9* and 9.2* vs 10.4 and 11.1 g/dL), despite receiving significantly more red blood cell transfusions. CCI patients had persistent elevation of CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α. CCI patients had worse functional outcome with a significantly higher Zubrod score, and lower SPPB, and gait speed score at 3, 6, and 12months. Despite receiving more pRBC transfusions, CCI patients had a persistent anemia that was associated with chronic systemic inflammation and poor functional outcomes six months following sepsis. Alleviating prolonged inflammation could improve persistent anemia and functional outcomes in CCI patients.

Central obesity is associated with lower prevalence of sarcopenia in older women, but not in men: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundObesity is a chronic disease that causes various medical health problems, increases morbidity, and reduces the quality of life. Obesity (especially central obesity) in older adults is expected to act with the development of sarcopenia. However, the relationship between obesity, central obesity, and sarcopenia remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the impact of obesity on sarcopenia.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we used data from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study; 1,827 community-dwelling older adults (883 men and 944 women) aged 70–84 years were recruited. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria were used to evaluate sarcopenia. Subjects with a low appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI; men: < 7.0 kg/m2, women: < 5.4 kg/m2) and either low handgrip strength (HGS; men: < 28 kg, women: < 18 kg) or low Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB; ≤ 9) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 25 kg/m2, while central obesity was defined as WC measurements of ≥ 90 cm in men and ≥ 85 cm in women. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of obesity and central obesity on sarcopenia and the parameters of sacropenia.ResultsIn both sexes, the obese group, defined based on the BMI, had a significantly low prevalence of low ASMI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.14, 95% confidence interval CI = 0.10–0.20 in men, OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.12–0.25 in women) and sarcopenia (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.16–0.50 in men, OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.08–0.35 in women) in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. In women, the central obese group had a low prevalence of sarcopenia (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.27–0.77) in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Meanwhile, the obese group had a significantly higher prevalence of low SPPB in women (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.18–2.59).ConclusionsObesity may have a protective effect on low ASMI and sarcopenia, as defined by the AWGS criteria. Central obesity was associated with a low prevalence of sarcopenia in women only. However, obesity did not have a positive impact on functional parameters of sarcopenia including muscle strength and physical performance.

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.

Clinical Significance of Volume Status in Body Composition and Physical Performance Measurements in Hemodialysis Patients.

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate the association between volume status and body composition or physical performance measurements in hemodialysis patients.MethodsA total of 84 patients were enrolled in this study. The participants were divided into tertiles based on the edema index (extracellular water/total body water): low, middle, and high tertiles. Serum albumin and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were measured. The appendicular lean mass index (ALM/Ht2, kg/m2) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The thigh muscle area index (TMA/Ht2, cm2/m2) was measured using CT. Extracellular and total body water and phase angles were obtained using bioimpedance analysis. The results of the subjective global assessment (SGA), hand-grip strength (HGS), gait speed (GS), short physical performance battery (SPPB), sit-to-stand for 30-second (STS30) test, timed up and go (TUG), sit-to-stand test performed five times (STS5), and 6-minute walk (6-MW) tests were also evaluated.ResultsOn the univariate analysis, the SGA score and phase angle in the high tertile group were the lowest among the three groups. On multivariate analysis, TMA/Ht2 and phase angle in the high tertile were the lowest among the three groups. Inverse correlations were observed between edema index and TMA/Ht2, SGA score, phase angle, HGS, GS, SPPB, STS30, or 6-MW. Positive correlations were observed between the edema index and the STS5 or TUG test. The sensitivity and specificity for predicting low GS were 34.5 and 89.7%, respectively. The values for predicting low SPPB were 68.0 and 79.7%, respectively.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that high volume status may be associated with decreased muscle mass and physical performance regardless of inflammatory or nutritional status.

Gender Differences in Body Composition in Pre-Frail Older Adults With Diabetes Mellitus.

Background & AimsAgeing is a risk factor for diabetes mellitus (DM) and frailty. It is associated with body composition changes including increase in fat mass (FM), central fat distribution, decrease in fat free mass (FFM) and skeletal muscle which are risk factors for DM. This study aims to evaluate gender differences in body composition in pre-frail diabetics and association with physical performance, cognitive function and perceived health. In addition, we aim to explore the association of obesity, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and body composition in pre-frail older adults to DM status.MethodsCross-sectional study of 192 pre-frail community dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years). Data was collected on demographics, physical function, cognition, frailty, sarcopenia, perceived health and body composition using the InBody S10. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were undertaken to explore the association of sarcopenic obesity, obesity, sarcopenia and body composition measures to DM status.ResultsThere were insignificant within-gender differences for physical function, cognition and body composition, except for a higher prevalence of obesity defined by body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%), increased fat mass index(FMI) and fat free mass index(FFMI) in females with DM. There were significant between-gender differences for those with DM where females overall had lower education levels, lower perceived health, higher prevalence of depression and low mental vitality, lower overall physical function (low short physical performance battery scores, low gait speed and hand grip strength), lower cognitive scores, lower muscle mass and muscle quality with higher FMI, FM/FFM and visceral fat area(VFA). BMI, VFA>100 cm2, FMI and FFMI were found to be independently associated with DM status after multivariable adjustment.ConclusionWithin pre-frail DM vs non-DM, there were insignificant differences in body composition, physical function, cognition and perceived health within gender except for FMI, BF% and FFMI in females. There were significant differences between gender in pre-frail DM in muscle mass, quality, functional, cognitive and mental status. Further longitudinal studies are required to understand the pathogenesis, trajectory of DM and protective role of oral hypoglycemics in pre-frail older adults.

The impact of sex and physical performance on long-term mortality in older patients with myocardial infarction

BackgroundSex influences outcome of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). If there is a relationship between sex and physical performance is unknown.MethodsThe analysis is based on older (≥70 years) ACS patients included in the FRASER, HULK, and LONGEVO SCA prospective studies. Physical performance was assessed by Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.ResultsThe study included 1388 patients, and 441 (32%) were women. At presentation, women were older and more compromised than men. After a median follow-up of 998 [730–1168] days, all-cause death occurred in 334 (24.1%) patients. At univariate analysis, female sex was related to increased risk of death. After adjustments for confounding factors, female sex was no longer associated with mortality. Women showed poor physical performance compared with men (p < 0.001). SPPB values emerged as an independent predictor of death. Including clinical features and SPPB in the multivariable model, we observed a paradigm shift in the prognostic role of female sex that becomes a protective factor (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56–0.96). Sex and physical performance showed a significant interaction (p = 0.03). For lower SPPB values (poor physical performance), sex-related changes in mortality were not recorded, while in patients with higher SPPB values (preserved physical performance), female sex was associated with better survival.ConclusionsTwo key findings emerged from the present real-life cohort of older ACS patients: (i) physical performance strongly influences long-term mortality; (ii) women with preserved physical performance have a better outcome compared to men.Trial registrationwww.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02386124 and NCT03021044

Feasibility of Diagnosing Initial Orthostatic Hypotension Using a Continuous Blood Pressure Device in Geriatric Rehabilitation Inpatients: RESORT

Background: Initial orthostatic hypotension (IOH) is highly prevalent in older adults and may interfere with the ability to regain function after acute hospitalization. IOH assessment requires a non-invasive, beat-to-beat continuous blood pressure device, which is not widely used in geriatric rehabilitation. Our aim was to test the feasibility of diagnosing IOH using a continuous blood pressure device in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. Methods: Geriatric rehabilitation inpatients of the REStORing Health of Acutely Unwell AdulTs (RESORT) cohort admitted to a tertiary hospital were randomly selected to undergo continuous blood pressure monitoring (Finapres) for 5 min in the supine position and 3 min of standing or sitting when unable to stand. Interventions to warm hands and adjusting the cuff pressure sizes were attempted if no signal was obtained or an error message occurred. Results: Of 37 randomly selected inpatients, 29 {55.2% female; mean age 82.8 (standard deviation [SD]) 6.6 years} agreed to the continuous blood pressure measurement. Successful measurements were achieved in 20 out of 29 inpatients, two after hand warming. Patients with unsuccessful measurements were likely to be older (mean age 87.2 [SD] 4.4 years, p = 0.03), have cerebrovascular disease (p = 0.006), lower body mass index (p = 0.012), and a lower short physical performance battery score (p = 0.039). Eight out of 20 patients had IOH. Conclusion: The number of unsuccessful continuous blood pressure measurements was high in a population with high IOH prevalence despite multiple interventions to establish a signal. Future research should focus on improving the efficiency of continuous blood pressure devices in hospitalized patients with unsuccessful signals.

80 The impact of sex and physical performance on long-term mortality in older patients with myocardial infarction

Abstract Aims To investigate the prognostic role of sex and physical performance on long-term mortality in older adults hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods and results The analysis is based on older (≥70 years) ACS patients included in the FRASER, HULK, and LONGEVO SCA prospective studies. Physical performance was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The study included 1388 patients, 441 (32%) were women. At presentation, women were older and more compromised than men. After a median follow-up of 998 (730–1168) days, all-cause death occurred in 334 (24.1%) patients. At univariate analysis, female sex was related to increased risk of death. After adjustments for confounding factors, female sex was no longer associated with mortality. Women showed poor physical performance compared with men (P &amp;lt; 0.001). SPPB values emerged as independent predictor of death. Including clinical features and SPPB in the multivariable model, we observed a paradigm shift in the prognostic role of female sex that becomes a protective factor (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56–0.96). Sex and physical performance showed a significant interaction (P = 0.03). For lower SPPB values (poor physical performance), sex-related changes in mortality were not recorded, while in patients with higher SPPB values (preserved physical performance), female sex was associated with better survival. Conclusions Two key findings emerged from the present real-life cohort of older ACS patients: (i) physical performance strongly influences long-term mortality and (ii) women with preserved physical performance have a better outcome compared to men.

Sarcopenic obesity in rheumatoid arthritis: prevalence and impact on physical functioning.

We determined the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in patients with RA using multiple methods and assessed associations with physical functioning. This study evaluated data from three RA cohorts. Whole-body dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) measures of appendicular lean mass index (ALMI, kg/m2) and fat mass index (FMI) were converted to age, sex and race-specific Z-Scores and categorized using a recently validated method and compared it to a widely-used existing method. The prevalence of body composition abnormalities in RA was compared with two reference populations. In the RA cohorts, associations between body composition and change in the HAQ and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in follow-up were assessed using linear and logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, race and study. The prevalence of low lean mass and sarcopenic obesity was higher in patients with RA (14.2; 12.6%, respectively) compared with the reference population cohorts (7-10%; 4-4.5%, respectively, all P <0.05). There was only moderate agreement among methods of sarcopenic obesity categorization (Kappa 0.45). The recently validated method categorized fewer subjects as obese, and many of these were categorized as low lean mass only. Low lean mass, obesity and sarcopenic obesity were each associated with higher HAQ and lower SPPB at baseline and numerically greater worsening. RA patients had higher rates of low lean mass and sarcopenic obesity than the general population. The recently validated methods characterized body composition changes differently from traditional methods and were more strongly associated with physical function.