Built Environment Characteristics And Its Association Between Physical Performance, Falls Risk And Functional Mobility Among Malaysian Older Adults / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Older adults who walk in their neighbourhood with greater street connectivity are reported to have lower limb physicalperformance decline. There is limited information regarding the association between built environment characteristicsand physical performance in older adults. The aim of this study was to examine the association between built environmentcharacteristics, physical performance, falls risk and functional mobility among older adults. Sixty four (27 men and 37women) community dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above (mean 67.4 ± 7.1 years) from senior citizen clubs inKuala Lumpur, Malaysia participated in this cross-sectional study. Built environment characteristics were assessed usingan adapted Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS). Physical performance and falls risk was measuredusing Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Profile Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA) respectively. TimedUp and Go (TUG) and gait speed tests were used to assess functional mobility. There was a significant correlation betweenbuilt environment and physical performance (r = 0.43, p < 0.001) and functional mobility measured using gait speedtest (r = 0.27, p < 0.05) among older adults. Built environment was identified as a significant determinant of physicalperformance (R2 = 0.19, p < 0.001). Built environment characteristics is an important external factor in preservingphysical performance in older adults. Programmes and policies for a more favourable built environment characteristicsin the neighbourhoods should be encouraged to promote and maintain physical performance among older adults