The Association of Balance Confidence with Physical Performance and Strength in Community-Dwelling Elderly Persons

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To investigate the physical performance and changes in function by age and sex in community dwelling elderly and to assess the associations between balance confidence and physical performance and functioning. METHODS: We recruited 180 people aged 65 years or older capable of independent ambulation and activities of daily living. They were divided into three groups according to age 65-74 years, 75-84 years and 85 years or older, to assess the differences in physical functioning between the groups. Short physical performance battery (SPPB), activity based balance confidence (ABC) and hand and thigh strengths were measured as variables of physical performance. Pain related disabilities and body composition were also included in the analysis. RESULTS: SPPB scores in women decreased more than that of men in those younger than 85 years, but this difference was not significant for those older than 85 years. ABC scores showed the same decreasing pattern, and sex difference continued in the oldest group. For pain related disabilities, a remarkable gender gap was identified. Hand and thigh strengths decreased with age, with the more prominent decrease seen in men than in women from the older age group. Although most variables correlated with the physical performance evaluated by the SPPB, only the ABC significantly influenced the SPPB after controlling for the covariates. CONCLUSION: Balance confidence in the specific activity plays a major role in physical performance and function.