Related Physical Function Research Articles

Physical Functionality of the Upper Limb after Breast Cancer Surgery in Southern Brazilian Survivors: Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Surgical treatment after the diagnosis of breast cancer can lead to several consequences of the survivor’s upper limb. Objective: Analyze the physical function of the upper limb after breast cancer surgery in Southern Brazilian survivors. Method: 82 breast cancer survivors (55±10 years) receiving hormone therapy were included. A questionnaire for general information, pain (Visual Analogue Scale), and upper limb functionality (DASH) were applied, followed by physical tests; the shoulder range of motion (goniometer), strength (dynamometer), proprioception (kinesimeter) and arm volume (perimeter of the arm). Results: No differences were found for any variable of physical function in relation to mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery. However, better scores of strength and the shoulder range of motion were found for the non-surgery arm. Linear regression demonstrated a relation between pain, strength, range of motion, proprioception, and arm volume with the disabilities of the upper limb, and when adjusted by surgery modality, shoulder range of motion, arm volume, and proprioception maintained significantly. Conclusion: Breast cancer survivors presented physical disabilities on the upper limb after surgery, regardless of the modality of surgery. Results elucidate the need for an efficient post-treatment program to prevent poor physical function after breast cancer surgery and provide better daily activities to these women.

Testing the deconditioning hypothesis of low back pain: A study in 1182 older women

This study assessed the deconditioning hypothesis of low back pain (LBP) by examining physical function in relation to LBP and self-reported physical activity in women. This cross-sectional study recruited a representative population-based sample of females aged greater than 60 years. In total, 1182 women were included in the study and completed questionnaires (physical activity and LBP intensity) and functional testing (countermovement jump, chair rise, gait speed and grip strength). Individuals were stratified into four groups based on physical activity and LBP status and analysed via a two-way ANOVA. Most participants (87%) reported current LBP and 25% were physically active. Countermovement jump height, chair rise and grip strength were lower in physically inactive women (p ≤ 0.005), but not women with LBP (p ≥ 0.21). Gait speed was not associated with physical activity or LBP status. There was no association between LBP and physical activity status. Whilst LBP was associated with lower physical activity, contrary to the deconditioning hypothesis, LBP status itself was not associated with reduced physical function in community-dwelling women 60 years and older. This implies that LBP may not be related to physical function in this population group, but rather to their physical activity levels.

Status Kesihatan Fizikal dalam kalangan Warga Emas yang Menghadiri Klinik Kesihatan Cheras, Malaysia

Optimum physical health is important in maintaining independence among older adults. There is limited information regarding physical health status among older adults attending primary care clinics in the local population. The aim of this study was to examine physical health among older adults attending Primary Care Clinic at Cheras, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Primary Care Clinic at Cheras, Malaysia with a total 106 participants (mean age of 68 ± 6.3 years). Participants performed a battery of physical function tests. The results showed that the percentages of participants who performed below recommended norms for the 30secs Chair Stand Test (lower limb strength), Chair Sit and Reach Test (lower limb flexibility), Back Scratch Test (upper limb flexibility), Timed Up and Go (TUG) (functional mobility), Single Leg Stance Test (balance) and 2 mins Walk Test (2MWT) (aerobic endurance) were 32%, 18%, 21%, 29%, 22% and 78% respectively. The results suggest that the majority of older adults visiting primary health care clinics had inadequate physical function in relation to aerobic endurance. Older adults attending primary health care clinics should be encouraged to improve their physical health status, especially aerobic endurance, to optimise their physical independence. DOI : http://dx.doi.org./10.17576/JSKM-2018-32

Cognitive and Physical Function in Relation to the Risk of Injurious Falls in Older Adults: A Population-Based Study.

We aimed to quantify the independent effect of cognitive and physical deficits on the risk of injurious falls, to verify whether this risk is modified by global cognitive impairment, and to explore whether risk varies by follow-up time. Data on 2,495 participants (≥60 years) from the population-based Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K) study were analyzed using flexible parametric survival models. Two cognitive domains (processing speed and executive function) were assessed with standard tests. Physical function tests included balance (one-leg-stands), walking speed, chair stands, and grip strength. Global cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. A total of 167 people experienced an injurious fall over 3 years of follow-up, 310 over 5 years, and 571 over 10 years. Each standard deviation worse balance, slower walking speed, and longer chair stand time increased the risk of injurious falls over 3 years by 43%, 38%, and 23%, respectively (p < .05). Each standard deviation worse processing speed and executive function was significantly associated with 10% increased risk of injurious falls over 10 years (p < .05). In stratified analyses, deficits in physical functioning were associated with injurious falls only in people with cognitive impairment, whereas deficits in processing speed and executive function were associated with injurious falls only in people without cognitive impairment. Deficits in specific cognitive domains, such as processing speed and executive function, appear to predict injurious falls in the long term. Deficits in physical function predict falls in the short term, especially in people with global cognitive impairment.

Higher Testosterone Levels Are Associated with Less Loss of Lean Body Mass in Older Men

Little information exists about longitudinal changes in body composition and physical function in relation to sex hormone levels in older men. The aim of the study was to determine associations of testosterone, estradiol, and SHBG with changes in body composition and physical function. We conducted a prospective cohort study within the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study at six U.S. clinical centers. A total of 5994 ambulatory men aged 65 yr or older enrolled in the MrOS. We examined 1183 men with complete measures of sex steroid hormones, body composition, and some measure of physical function. There were no interventions. Sex steroids were measured by mass spectrometry in serum collected at baseline. Measurements of body composition using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and physical performance (grip strength, leg power, timed chair stands, narrow walk, and 6-m walk) were performed at baseline and repeated 4.5 yr later. Overall, men lost 1.3 kg (±4.4 sd) weight between study visits. Lean mass, especially appendicular, declined less at higher baseline testosterone levels (P < 0.05). These associations were most evident in the 40% of men who lost more than 2.0 kg during follow-up. In weight losers, higher testosterone was associated with less decline in timed chair stands. Estradiol was not related to body composition or physical function changes. Higher SHBG was associated with less loss of appendicular lean mass and grip strength. Higher endogenous testosterone is associated with reduced loss of lean mass and lower extremity function in older men losing weight. Endogenous testosterone may contribute to healthy aging.

Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: a surgeon’s perspective of 30 years in practice

COMMENTARY ON: Denard PJ, Holton KF, Miller J, et al. Back pain, neurogenic symptoms, and physical function in relation to spondylolisthesis among elderly men. Spine J 2010;10:865–73 (in this issue). COMMENTARY ON: Denard PJ, Holton KF, Miller J, et al. Back pain, neurogenic symptoms, and physical function in relation to spondylolisthesis among elderly men. Spine J 2010;10:865–73 (in this issue). Back pain, neurogenic symptoms, and physical function in relation to spondylolisthesis among elderly menThe Spine JournalVol. 10Issue 10PreviewDegenerative spondylolisthesis is a presumed cause of back pain. Previous studies of spondylolisthesis and back pain included only women or combined results for men and women. Comparisons of the frequency of back pain, neurogenic symptoms, and functional limitations specifically among elderly men with and without spondylolisthesis are needed. Full-Text PDF

Back pain, neurogenic symptoms, and physical function in relation to spondylolisthesis among elderly men

Background context Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a presumed cause of back pain. Previous studies of spondylolisthesis and back pain included only women or combined results for men and women. Comparisons of the frequency of back pain, neurogenic symptoms, and functional limitations specifically among elderly men with and without spondylolisthesis are needed. Purpose To determine associations of prevalent spondylolisthesis with back pain symptoms, neurogenic symptoms, and functional limitations among elderly men. Study design/setting Cross-sectional epidemiologic study conducted within the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) cohort. The MrOS cohort is composed of 5,995 community-dwelling men aged 65 years or older who were recruited at six US academic medical centers. Extensive self-reported data and lumbar spine radiographs were obtained for all MrOS participants at baseline. Patient sample For this study, 300 men were selected at random specifically for the evaluation of spondylolisthesis on the baseline spine radiographs. Outcome measures Standardized questionnaires were used to assess self-reported back pain, leg pain (radiculopathy), lower extremity numbness (paresthesias), and lower extremity weakness occurring in the past 12 months and to ascertain current difficulty with activities of daily living. Methods In the present study, radiographic spondylolisthesis was classified as forward slip of ≥5%. Prevalence of back pain, neurogenic symptoms, and difficulty with activities of daily living was compared between men with and without spondylolisthesis using chi-square or Fisher exact tests. Results Spondylolisthesis was present among 92 (31%) men. Among men with and without spondylolisthesis, back pain (63% vs. 67%, p=.46) and moderate/severe back pain (41% vs. 38%, p=.76) were reported with similar frequency. Men with spondylolisthesis more often reported radiculopathy (33% vs. 22%, p=.06), paresthesias (18% vs. 11%, p=.10), and weakness (18% vs. 9%, p=.02) in the lower extremities, as well as difficulty walking two to three blocks (21% vs. 11%, p=.03), doing their own shopping (8% vs. 2%, p=.04), and getting in/out of a car (14% vs. 6%, p=.03), compared with men without spondylolisthesis. Conclusions Among elderly men, spondylolisthesis was associated with neurogenic symptoms and lower extremity functional limitations; however, spondylolisthesis was not associated with a higher likelihood of back pain in this population.