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Effects of a physical activity intervention on measures of physical performance: Results of the lifestyle interventions and independence for Elders Pilot (LIFE-P) study.

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17167156
10.1093/gerona/61.11.1157
The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
Nov. 1, 2006
Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1329 SW 16th St., Rm. 5161, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA. mpahor@ufl.edu
Health Promotion, Single-Blind Method, Pilot Projects, Health Education, Disability Evaluation, Walking, Male, Health Behavior, Geriatric Assessment, Activities of Daily Living, Life Style, Exercise, Humans, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Aged, Aged, 80 and over
P30 AG024827, 1 P30 AG21332, U01 AG22376, UL1 TR000064, K24AG021507, P30 AG028740, U01 AG022376, UL1 RR029890
Maraldi C, Fielding R, Espeland M, LIFE Study Investigators, Romashkan S, Studenski S, King AC, Blair SN, Pahor M, Kritchevsky SB, Hadley EC, Miller ME, Rejeski WJ, Guralnik JM, Gill TM, Newman AB
LIFE Study Investigators, Pahor M, Blair SN, Espeland M, Fielding R, Gill TM, Guralnik JM, Hadley EC, King AC, Kritchevsky SB, Maraldi C, Miller ME, Newman AB, Rejeski WJ, Romashkan S, Studenski S. Effects of a physical activity intervention on measures of physical performance: Results of the lifestyle interventions and independence for Elders Pilot (LIFE-P) study. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences 2006 Nov.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which includes walking, balance, and chair stands tests, independently predicts mobility disability and activities of daily living disability. To date, however, there is no definitive evidence from randomized controlled trials that SPPB scores can be improved. Our objective was to assess the effect of a comprehensive physical activity (PA) intervention on the SPPB and other physical performance measures. METHODS: A total of 424 sedentary persons at risk for disability (ages 70-89 years) were randomized to a moderate-intensity PA intervention or a successful aging (SA) health education intervention and were followed for an average of 1.2 years. RESULTS: The mean baseline SPPB score on a scale of 0-12, with 12 corresponding to highest performance, was 7.5. At 6 and 12 months, the PA versus SA group adjusted SPPB (+/- standard error) scores were 8.7 +/- 0.1 versus 8.0 +/- 0.1, and 8.5 +/- 0.1 versus 7.9 +/- 0.2, respectively (p < .001). The 400-meter walking speed was also significantly improved in the PA group. The PA group had a lower incidence of major mobility disability defined as incapacity to complete a 400-meter walk (hazard ratio = 0.71, 95% confidence interval = 0.44-1.20). CONCLUSIONS: A structured PA intervention improved the SPPB score and other measures of physical performance. An intervention that improves the SPPB performance may also offer benefit on more distal health outcomes, such as mobility disability.