Measures of Physical Ability Are Unrelated to Objectively Measured Physical Activity Behavior in Older Adults Residing in Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Abstract 

Zalewski KR, Smith JC, Malzahn J, VanHart M, O'Connell D. Measures of physical ability are unrelated to objectively measured physical activity behavior in older adults residing in continuing care retirement communities.

Objective

To explore the relationship between measures of physical performance, physical activity, and self-reported physical activity.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis.

Setting

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) in the greater Milwaukee area.

Participants

Older adults from independent or assisted living apartments (N=59).

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Physical performance was measured with comfortable and fast gait speeds and the six-minute walk test. Physical activity was measured by an ankle-mounted accelerometer to observe daily steps; stepping rate was averaged over a 7-day wear time. Self-reported physical activity was measured by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE).

Results

Participants reported walking more steps per day than older adults who are not living in CCRCs. There was no relationship between physical abilities and total steps walked (r=.087–.213, P>.05). No relationship was observed between measures of physical performance or total steps and PASE scores (r=−.034–.177, P = not significant). The relative contributions of physical activity categories to total PASE score were different than published reports for older adults not living in CCRCs.

Conclusions

Common measures of physical performance often used by clinicians in making decisions on rehabilitation outcomes do not appear to be related to the actual functioning of older adults residing in senior communities. The nature of the environment customized to the needs of the older adult may facilitate increased physical activity participation independent of physical abilities.

Key Words: Aged, Rehabilitation, Residence characteristics

List of Abbreviations: CCRCs, continuing care retirement communities, MMSE, Mini-Mental State Examination, PASE, Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, 6MWT, six-minute walk test, SAM, StepWatch Activity Monitor