Clinical-Functional Vulnerability, Functional Capacity, and Falls in Octogenarians with Different Physical Activity Levels-A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: To compare differences between frailty, functional capacity, and fall prevalence among community-dwelling oldest-old adults regarding their physical activity levels. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-nine octogenarians (80+ years) were allocated according to their physical activity as insufficiently active (n = 98; 84.4 +/- 3.7 years), active (150 to 300 min week(-1), n = 81, 83.9 +/- 3.1 years), and very active (>300 min week(-1), n = 60; 83.8 +/- 3.4 years). Frailty (CFVI-20 questionnaire), functional capacity (Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, Timed Up and Go, Balance, and handgrip strength), fall history, and physical activity were assessed. Results: The insufficiently active group was the frailest and presented the worst functional performance compared to the other groups. The fall prevalence was higher in the insufficiently active (60.9%) compared to the active (26.4%) and very active (12.7%) groups. Conclusions: The group of insufficiently active octogenarians showed the greatest frailty, worst functional capacity, and higher fall prevalence than the active and very active groups. The engagement in physical activity of at least 300 min week(-1) is essential to reverse or minimize the deleterious effects of aging on frailty, functional capacity, and falls in octogenarians.

Automated summary

This study compared differences in frailty, functional capacity, and fall prevalence among community-dwelling oldest-old adults with different levels of physical activity. The results showed that the insufficiently active group had the highest frailty, worst functional performance, and highest fall prevalence compared to the other groups.