Minimizing comprehensive geriatric assessment to identify deterioration of physical performance in a healthy community-dwelling older cohort: longitudinal data of the AEQUIPA Versa study

Abstract

Background It is important to identify the relevant parameters of physical performance to prevent early functional decline and to prolong independent living. The aim of this study is to describe the development of physical performance in a healthy community-dwelling older cohort aged 70+ years using comprehensive assessment over two years and to subsequently identify the most relevant predictive tests for physical decline to minimize assessment. Methods Physical performance was measured by comprehensive geriatric assessment. Predictors for the individual decline of physical performance by Principal Component and k-means Cluster Analysis were developed, and sensitivity and specificity determined accordingly. Results 251 subjects (Ø 75.4 years) participated in the study. Handgrip strength was low in 21.1%. The follow-up results of tests were divergent. Handgrip strength [− 16.95 (SD 11.55)] and the stair climb power test (power) [− 9.15 (SD 16.84)] yielded the highest percentage changes. Four most relevant tests (handgrip strength, stair climb power time, timed up & go and 4-m gait speed) were identified. A predictor based on baseline data was determined (sensitivity 82%, specificity 96%) to identify subjects characterized by a high degree of physical decline within two years. Discussion Although the cohort of older adults is heterogeneous, most of the individuals in the study exhibited high levels of physical performance; only a few subjects suffered a relevant decline within the 2-year follow-up. Four most relevant tests were identified to predict relevant decline of physical function. Conclusion In spite of ceiling effects of the geriatric assessment in high-performers, we assume that it is possible to predict an individual's risk of physical decline within 2 years with four tests of a comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Designing and applying technology for prevention—Lessons learned in AEQUIPA and its implications for future research and practice

“…The reminder technologies ( Figure 1 , middle) were evaluated for usability and user experience in a comparative 3-month household study with 19 inactive intenders age 65+ of at least moderate technical affinity. An interview study ( 16 ) and a hard-to-reach-populations analysis were conducted beforehand to allow for the incorporation of the target group-specific needs into the technologies.…”

Predictive factors of functional mobility in older women after 12 weeks of resistance training

“…Dito isso, uma explicação para a associação inversa entre IMC e TUG é que, como medida de peso e altura, é possível que o aumento no IMC cause diminuição na velocidade da marcha e, consequentemente, pior desempenho no TUG. 6 Em contraste, a associação positiva entre CC e TUG requer mais investigação em estudos longitudinais. Sabe-se que o aumento da CC resulta em alteração do centro de gravidade, o que pode interferir no equilíbrio e na capacidade funcional dos idosos, levando pessoas com CC maior a apresentar padrão de marcha diferente de pessoas com CC inferior.…”

“…O teste Timed Up and Go (TUG) é uma ferramenta confiável, econômica, segura e eficiente para avaliar a mobilidade funcional geral. 4 Desempenho desfavorável do TUG foi associado à mobilidade e ao equilíbrio funcionais deficientes, ao medo de cair, 5 à velocidade de marcha lenta, 6 à inatividade física 7 e ao prejuízo nas atividades de vida diária básicas (AVDs). 8 Um estudo realizado na Irlanda, com amostra representativa de idosos, indicou que o TUG é um instrumento com ótima capacidade preditiva para dificuldade nas AVDs e nas atividades instrumentais de vida diária AIVDs básicas e que pode ser utilizado para identificar idosos com maior risco de queda e que necessitam de serviços de assistência.…”

Measurement System for Unsupervised Standardized Assessments of Timed Up and Go Test and 5 Times Chair Rise Test in Community Settings—A Usability Study

“…To guide users autonomously conducting the functional TUG and 5CRT assessments, an operational sequence of audiovisual instruction and user interactions were designed based on insights from the AEQUIPA Versa study [ 41 , 42 ]. This initial prototype aimed to investigate potential enhancements in the detail and framing of the assessment instructions and to assess whether they were appropriate for increased user coherence.…”