Korean J Epidemiol.  2008 Dec;30(2):216-229.

Related Factors with Decreased Physical Function in the Community-Dwelling Elderly in Chuncheon: Hallym Aging Study(HAS)

• Jeon SA
• Jeong JY
• Park SW
• Choi YH
• Choi MG
• Hong KS
• Lee SK
• Kim HA
• Kim DH

Abstract

This study was conducted to elucidate the related factors with the decreased physical function in the community- dwelling elderly in Chuncheon. We used data obtained from Hallym Aging Study(HAS) from January to May in 2007. The participants were 505 elderly aged 65 years or over after excluding those who didn't complete physical function test and aged < 65. The measurement of physical function was based on the "Health Aging and Body Composition Study Physical Performance Battery(H-ABC PPB)" that included semi-tandem stance, tandem stance, single leg stance, 6m general walk, 6m narrow walk, and chair stand test. And we also included grip strength test. Overall physical function based on H-ABC PPB decreased with age in both men and women. Smoking appeared to increase the risk of decreased function of chair stand in women (adjusted OR=3.8, 95% CI=1.2-12.6). Regular exercise was found to reduce the risk of decreased physical function in both men(Balance OR=0.5, 95% CI=0.2-1.0; Usual walk OR=0.4, 95% CI=0.2- 0.9) and women(Balance OR=0.4, 95% CI=0.2-1.0; Usual walk OR=0.3, 95% CI=0.1- 0.9); Narrow walk OR=0.2, 95% CI=0.1-0.8). Higher level of education seemed to be associated with higher functional performance. It needs further researches on the effect of education on the physical function of the elderly in this population.

Keyword

physical function; H-ABC Battery; socioeconomic status; elderly

MeSH Terms

Aged
Aging
Body Composition
Female
Hand Strength
Humans
Leg
Male
Smoke
Smoking
Social Class
Smoke