Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Physical functioning includes mobility, muscle strength and physical activity.Physical activity is associated with mobility and muscle strength.Physical functioning of older people can be complicated by lifelong physical inactivity.Interventions to improve or maintain physical functioning of older people are needed.The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of physical activity and the effects of individually tailored comprehensive geriatric intervention on physical functioning and mortality among community-This study was focused on the associations between mid-life physical activity and old age mobility, and the level of physical activity.Also the effects of individually tailored comprehensive geriatric intervention on mobility, muscle strength and all-cause mortality, and the risk factors for all-cause mortality were investigated.The data used in this study were derived from the Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for the Good Care of the Elderly (GeMS) study.GeMS was a population-based randomized intervention study carried out in the city of Kuopio, Finland, from 2004 to 2007.The participants in the GeMS study (n=1,000) were randomized into intervention (n=500) and control groups (n=500).In total, 700 community-dwelling participants were included in this study.The participants in the intervention group received individually tailored comprehensive geriatric intervention including comprehensive geriatric assessment, physical activity, nutritional, health counseling, oral health and eye health interventions.The participants in the control group did not receive any interventions but took part in annual interviews and measurements.A physically active lifestyle in mid-life was associated with better mobility in old age.Those participants who had been physically active at mid-life were more likely to be able to walk outdoors and 400-meters independently in old age.At baseline, physically active participants in the intervention and control groups found physical activity more important than physically inactive participants.The intervention had positive effect on physical activity among participants in the intervention group compared to control group.The intervention also had positive effects on mobility and muscle strength; 400-meter walking ability was maintained among pre-frail and frail older people and the chair rise capacity improved in physically active women.Low grip strength was not independently associated with the 5-year mortality.In conclusion, mid-life physical activity has a great impact on physical functioning in old age.The individually tailored comprehensive geriatric intervention had positive effects on physical functioning.Interventions should be targeted especially at pre-frail and frail and inactive older people.
Author: Päivi Tikkanen
Language: English
Topic: Frailty in Older Adults
Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Juho Vainion Säätiö
OpenAlex ID: W2556293735