Mobility Limitation in Older Adults Residing in Nursing Homes in Brazil Associated With Advanced Age and Poor Nutritional Status: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Mobility is a basic human need, and its limitation compromises health status, especially in older adults from developing countries and residing in nursing homes. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with mobility limitation in older adults residing in nursing homes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 305 older adults (≥60 years) residing in 10 nursing homes in Northeast Brazil. Mobility limitation was evaluated using the “walking” item of the Barthel index. Sociodemographic/economic data concerning the participants and institutions, as well as conditions that could influence the mobility state of the older adults, were collected. The χ2 test and multiple logistic regression were performed using a significance level of 5%. Results and Discussion: The prevalence of mobility limitation was 65.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 59.6-70.4). Walking dependence was identified in 39.7% of the sample (26.9% wheelchair users and 12.8% bedridden), while 25.9% walked with assistance (16.7% with maximal assistance and 9.2% with minimal assistance). Mobility limitation was significantly associated with malnutrition/risk of malnutrition (1.86, 95% CI, 1.54-2.26, P < .001) and age ≥81 years (1.35, 95% CI, 1.12-1.63, P = .002). Conclusion: Mobility limitation has a high prevalence among older adults residing in nursing homes in Brazil, and is associated with advanced age and poor nutritional status. Health professionals should advocate for the maintenance of mobility and adequate nutritional support.

Upper versus lower body resistance exercise with elastic bands: effects on cognitive and physical function of institutionalized older adults

“…Mobility limitations have a high prevalence among older adults living in residential homes [ 13 ]. Despite the benefits of exercise programs for people with and without reduced mobility, older people living in residential homes tend to higher prevalence of physical inactivity and lower levels of participation in the centers' exercise programs [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Sarcopenia and associated factors according to the EWGSOP2 criteria in older people living in nursing homes: a cross-sectional study

“…Pereira et al confirmed our findings, identifying that two out of three institutionalized older adults had malnutrition and sarcopenia [ 35 ]. Malnutrition leads to lower muscle strength and less physical activity [ 36 ], which is reflected in this study by the low scores in the hand-grip muscle strength and in the Gait Speed, and reinforced by the high % time in SB [ 36 ], which also was identified as an associated factor with sarcopenia.…”

“…Two studies report that that higher levels of SB were found to be associated with higher levels of sarcopenia [ 36 , 37 ]. Physical inactivity contributes to development of sarcopenia, whether due to disease-related immobility or disability, or to a sedentary lifestyle, which has been shown to be a risk factor for muscle weakness that in turn, results in reduced activity levels, loss of muscle mass, and muscle strength [ 38 ].…”

Effectiveness of Interventions for Reducing Sedentary Behaviour in Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Protocol for a Systematic Review

“…Furthermore, in relation to SB, two studies report that higher levels of SB are associated with higher levels of sarcopenia [11,12]. Physical inactivity contributes to the development of sarcopenia, either due to disease-related immobility or disability, or to a sedentary lifestyle, which has been shown to be a risk factor for muscle weakness [13].…”