Elderly Empowerment: Unveiling the Link Between Physical Performance and Daily Activity

Objectives: Declining motor function is a prevalent concern in aging populations, often leading to decreased independence and higher fall risk. Regular physical activity is a key preventive strategy; however, its assessment remains complex, especially in outpatient clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between objective physical performance measures and self-reported physical activity in functionally independent elderly women aged ۶۰–۷۰ years.  Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among ۶۶ community-dwelling women. Participants were functionally independent and were assessed for physical activity using the physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE) and for performance using the short physical performance battery (SPPB), the six-minute walk test (۶MWT), and handgrip strength. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations and multiple linear regressions.  Results: Bivariate correlation analysis showed that only the SPPB score was significantly associated with log-transformed PASE scores (r=۰.۲۷; P=۰.۰۲۶). Neither the ۶MWT nor handgrip strength showed a significant correlation (P>۰.۰۵). Multivariate regression confirmed SPPB as the sole independent predictor of physical activity (β=۰.۰۱۲; P=۰.۰۲۶), explaining a modest ۶% of the variance (R۲=۰.۰۶).  Discussion: Among the three indicators assessed, SPPB emerged as the strongest and only independent correlate of physical activity in this cohort of older women. Given the modest variance explained, SPPB’s composite assessment of lower-limb function is associated with habitual physical activity and may be useful as part of screening to identify individuals at risk of sedentary behavior. Clinicians should consider SPPB as a valuable and efficient tool for initial functional assessments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Elderly ، Physical performance ، Physical activity ، Short physical performance battery (SPPB)