Low physical activity is the strongest factor associated with frailty phenotype and frailty index: data from baseline phase of Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study (BLAS)

Abstract

Background Frailty is the most complicated expression of aging that is related to disability or multi-morbidity. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of frailty and its associated factors among community-dwelling aged population. Methods A total of 1529 eligible community- dwelling older adults (≥ 60 years) were enrolled in the baseline phase of Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study (BLAS) from 2019 to 2020. Their frailty status was assessed using the Fried’s frailty phenotype and frailty index. Sociodemographic factors, including sex, age, marital status, and education level, were collected. Health status assessment included the history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s diseases and dementia, and other health conditions. Furthermore, functional assessment (ADL, IADL) and anthropometric measurements including height, weight, waist, calf, and mid-arm circumference were made and the body mass index was calculated. The nutrition status and polypharmacy (use 3 or more medication) were also evaluated. Results The prevalence of frailty was 21.69% according to the frailty phenotype and 23.97% according to the frailty index. A multiple logistic regression model showed a strong association between low physical activity and frailty phenotype (OR = 36.31, CI = 16.99–77.56, P < 0.01), and frailty index (OR = 15.46, CI = 5.65–42.34, P < 0.01). Other factors like old age (≥80), female sex, malnutrition, polypharmacy, obesity, and arthritis were also associated with frailty. The Kappa coefficient of the agreement between these two instruments was 0.18. Conclusion It seems that low physical activity is the most important determinant of frailty. Low physical activity and some other factors may be preventable or modifiable and thus serve as clinically relevant targets for intervention.

Gender Differences in Determinants of the Components of the Frailty Phenotype among Older Adults in India: Findings from LASI Wave-1

“…It is essential to understand the intensity of daily physical activity of the geriatric population because empirical evidence has shown a very significant role of low physical activity status as the onset of the progression of physical frailty [ 37 , 38 , 39 ]. The Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study (BLAS) has stated that low physical activity is the most important determinant of physical frailty [ 40 ]. Fried (2016) illustrated that “physical activity offers the first evidence of effective approaches to preventing or treating frailty and a biologic model for future therapies” [ 41 ] (p. 11).…”

Morphology of paraspinal muscles in frail and non-frail older adults evaluated through FRAIL scale

“…Frailty leads to physical deterioration and reduced mobility. Therefore, lacking exercise and motion, the process of muscle degeneration in frail patients would be more severe than in those not [ 25 ]. Martino et al found that intramuscular lipid concentration increased in localized regions of the lumbar muscles following 60-day bed rest [ 26 ].…”

Multidimensional Frailty and Lifestyles of Community-Dwelling Older Portuguese Adults

“…Physical activity was the lifestyle factor most strongly associated with frailty, especially physical frailty, which is in line with what is described in several studies stating that moderate to vigorous physical activity as well as physical activity at home are protective factors against frailty in older adults [ 34 , 35 ]. Nevertheless, as people age, sedentary behaviour and isolation increase [ 36 , 37 ], which further contributes to frailty [ 38 ]. It is likely that frail people are unable to be physically active owing to real and perceived barriers that represent obstacles to the adoption and maintenance of regular physical activity; however, we should not exclude them from physical activity programs because they are unlikely to adhere and thus it is important to find strategies that motivate them to participate [ 39 ].…”