scholarly journals Assessing Functional Capacity and Factors Determining Functional Decline in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anamélia Oliveira ◽  
Paulo Nossa ◽  
Anabela Mota-Pinto

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess functional capacity and determine the factors associated with functional decline in the elderly in adult day care centres and home care support in the County of Coimbra, Portugal.Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study. A total of 115 participants of both genders, aged between 65 and 98, were enrolled in the home care support and adult day care system of the County of Coimbra, Portugal. Functional capacity was assessed using the Barthel index and the Lawton index. Another questionnaire gathered social, demographic and health status information.Results: The basic activities of daily living were significantly associated with age, cohabitation, medication usage, falls and multiple morbidity. Analysis of the study’s variables and the instrumental activities of daily living found significant associations between age, institutional affiliation, perceived health status, hospitalizations, medication usage, physical exercise, multiple morbidities, falls, and fall prevention.Discussion: The results demonstrate that no statistically observable differences were found between gender and functional dependence. A significant association between the Barthel index and cohabitation was also found. We should also highlight that this sample revealed the extremely important role of families in determining the protection of highly dependent older people. Likewise, a significant association was observed between instrumental activities of daily living and levels of physical activity in which greater independence was found in those seniors who practiced physical exercise three or more times per week.Conclusion: The results of this study allow us to identify factors that may be associated with the functional decline in the elderly. Useful evidence for the adoption of intervention strategies in the elderly population was added, focused on the prevention of functional decline and maintenance of the functional capacities of the elderly.

Rev Rene ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. e62430
Author(s):  
Alexandre de Andrade Nadu ◽  
Danila Cristina Paquier Sala ◽  
Carla de Lima Silva ◽  
Odete de Oliveira Monteiro ◽  
Paula Cristina Pereira da Costa ◽  
...  

Objective: to associate functional capacity with the risk of falls, fear of falling, and pain in hospitalized elderly. Methods: cross-sectional study with 130 elderlies. The following scales were applied: Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Morse Falls, Fear of Falling and Pain. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to associate the categorical variables to the Daily Living Activities and Pain Scales and the Chi-square test to the Morse Falls. Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient was used to associate the continuous variables with the Fear of Falling Scale. Results: most of the elderlies were independent for basic and instrumental activities of daily living, had high risk for falls, little concern about the possibility of falling, and no pain. Those with higher risk for falls are those with more dependence and have more concern about falling. Conclusion: there was an association between functional capacity and the scales fear of falling and pain.


2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 392-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andréa Mathes Faustino ◽  
Lenora Gandolfi ◽  
Leides Barroso de Azevedo Moura

Objective To verify whether there is a connection between the functional capacity of the elderly and the presence of violent situations in their daily lives. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study developed with 237 elderly individuals. Standard and validated research instruments were used. Results Mean age of 70.25 years (standard deviation of 6.94), 69% were female, 76% were independent in basic activities of daily living and 54% had a partial dependence on at least one instrumental activity. The most prevalent violence was psychological and the relation between being dependent on basic activities of daily living and suffering physical violence was statistically significant. Conclusion When the elderly needs assistance to perform self-care activities, there is a greater chance of exposure to a situation of abuse, such as physical violence.


2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 398-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
William César Gavasso ◽  
Vilma Beltrame

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the influence of chronic morbidities on the functional capacity of elderly persons living in the municipal region of Herval d’ Oeste, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 272 elderly people registered in the Family Health Strategy of the municipality of Herval d’ Oeste, Santa Catarina. A socio-demographic questionnaire, Katz’s Basic Activities of Daily Living Scale and Lawton’s Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IALD) were used as instruments to gather data. The socio-demographical variables were estimated in frequencies and percentages. The associations were analyzed through the chi-square test. Results: Significant statistical associations for dependence were only found in the IADL assessments. Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus were not found to influence the dependence of the elderly. However, a greater number of elderly persons who reported pathologies of the gastrointestinal system were classified as dependent. While the number of morbidities did not influence dependence in IADL, there was a smaller percentage difference between dependent and independent individuals among those with more than three morbidities. Conclusion: No relationship was found between the number of morbidities and the functional and instrumental capacity of the elderly. However, diseases of the gastrointestinal system demonstrated an influence on the dependence of elderly persons of Herval d'Oeste, Santa Catarina.


2010 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilson de Vasconcelos Torres ◽  
Luciana Araújo dos Reis ◽  
Luana Araújo dos Reis

OBJECTIVE: To assess the functional capacity and to determine the difference between the means of functional capacity (basic and instrumental activities of daily living) and the age groups of elderly residents in an outlying area in the hinterland of Bahia/Northeast of Brazil. METHOD: Analytical study with cross-sectional design and a sample of 150 elderly individuals enrolled in four Health Units in the municipality of Jequié, Bahia, Brazil. The instrument consisted of sociodemographic and health data, the Barthel Index and the Lawton scale. RESULTS: In all, 78.00% of the elderly were classified as dependent in the basic activities and 65.33% in the instrumental activities of daily living. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, we found a statistically significant difference between the means of instrumental activities and the age groups (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: An elevated number of elderly were classified as dependent in terms of functional capacity and increased age is related to greater impairment in the execution of instrumental activities of daily living.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 917-929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diviane Alves da Silva ◽  
◽  
Yan Nogueira Leite de Freitas ◽  
Tamires Carneiro de Oliveira ◽  
Romerito Lins da Silva ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To analyze the relationship between the oral health status and functional capacity in performing basic activities of daily living of a population of elderly persons. Method: A cross-sectional population-based study with 441 individuals aged 60 years or over both genders was performed in the municipality of Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte. From intraoral epidemiological examination, the degree of caries attacks (CPO-D index), periodontal condition (CPI and PIP indexes), the use and need for dental prosthesis and the presence of oral lesions were evaluated. Independence in Activities of Daily Living was used to evaluate functional capacity. Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Results: Oral health variables were subjected to factor analysis, which resulted in four indicators. There was no association between these indicators and the functional capacity of the elderly. Gender, age, presence of caregiver, dominant area of residence, time of last visit to the dentist, type of care sought during such visit and self-perception regarding prosthesis replacement were significantly associated with oral health indicators. Conclusion: Given the non-identification of the effect of functional capacity on the oral health of the elderly, the time of measurement of the events investigated should be considered. It is suggested that dependency among the elderly occurs at different times from when the consequences of oral problems are observed, considering the cumulative effects of a previous history of invasive dental care.


2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (spe1) ◽  
pp. 94-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Souza Silva de Aguiar ◽  
Maria Júlia Guimarães Oliveira Soares ◽  
Maria Helena Larcher Caliri ◽  
Marta Mirian Lopes Costa ◽  
Simone Helena dos Santos Oliveira

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the elderly with physical limitations; to assess functional capacity as it relates to physical mobility, cognitive status and level of functional independence in activities of daily living, and to relate functional capacity to the risk for pressure ulcers. METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional approach, conducted in households in the city of João Pessoa (PB) with seniors who presented physical limitation. Fifty-one elderly were investigated in a two-stage cluster sampling design. RESULTS: There was evidence of impairments in functional capacity of the elderly aged 80 years or more, with more severe physical limitations, cognitive impairment and a higher level of dependency for activities. Significant differences were observed between the level of functional independence in performing activities of daily living and the risk of pressure ulcers. CONCLUSION: This study allowed for the identification of the elderly in functional decline and at risk for developing pressure ulcers, supporting the implementation of preventive actions at the household level.


Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (6) ◽  
pp. 674-680
Author(s):  
Alessandro Maloberti ◽  
Francesco Fribbi ◽  
Elena Motto ◽  
Paola Vallerio ◽  
Lucia Occhi ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Atherosclerosis causes a chronic reduction of vascularization with consequent impairment of the performance of organs, like the brain or muscles, which determines the functional and cognitive decline of the elderly and their ability to respond to acute stressful condition. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate if ankle brachial index (ABI) could effectively be a determinant of in-hospital functional status and complications in elderly hospitalized patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This is a monocentric cross-sectional study of 189 patients aged 65 years or older. The study was undertaken at the Internal Medicine ward of Niguarda Hospital in Milan. ABI (BOSO ABY-System 100) and in-hospital status (activities of daily living, ADL and instrumental activities of daily living, IADL) were collected on the second day of hospitalization. Complications (falls and delirium episodes) were also recorded during the whole hospitalization period. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The average age of patients was 79.3 ± 6.9 years. Among outcomes, only ADL (<i>r</i> = 0.192, <i>p</i> = 0.007) and IADL score (<i>r</i> = 0.200, <i>p</i> = 0.005) showed significant correlation with ABI. Moreover, during the subsequent logistic regression, ABI remained among the statistically significant determinants of both scores (β = 0.231, <i>p</i> = 0.013 and β = 0.314, <i>p</i> = 0.001, respectively). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The main result of our study is the finding of ABI as a significant determinant of acute in-hospital functional impairment (evaluated as ADL and IADL scores). The continuous exposure of the brain and muscles to the reduced perfusions induced by vascular atherosclerosis, probably determined the reduced ability to respond to stressful conditions.


2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Carolina Barbosa Teixeira Lopes ◽  
Julieth Santana Silva Lage ◽  
Cássia Regina Vancini-Campanharo ◽  
Meiry Fernanda Pinto Okuno ◽  
Ruth Ester Assayag Batista

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the functional capacity of elderly patients in the emergency department as to Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 200 elderly patients admitted to the emergency department of a teaching hospital in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. The functional capacity of the elderly was assessed by the Katz index and Lawton & Brody scale. Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance, Bonferroni correction, χ2 test, or the likelihood ratio test. Results: Most seniors were independent (65%), and the degree of dependence was related to age, female gender, being single and widowed, and presence of cerebrovascular disease and dementia. The more dependent elderly for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living had increased dependence for Basic Activities. Conclusion: We emphasize the importance of assessing the functional capacity of the elderly in the emergency department as it provides data for the nursing care in order to minimize or to avoid their functional impairment.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 643-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelise Moraes Berlezi ◽  
Ana Maria Farias ◽  
Fernanda Dallazen ◽  
Karla Renata Oliveira ◽  
Ana Paula Pillatt ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: The elderly population has risen sharply in Brazil, increasing the need for a health policy focused on health promotion and disease prevention. Attention should also be focused on functional capacity because of the personal and family suffering caused by dependency, as well as the increased demand placed on public services. Objective: To check the health and functional capacity of elderly residents in a small town with a high population aging rate. Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical and non-probabilistic study was performed of 528 elderly persons aged ≥60 years, of both genders, who were evaluated in their home environment. The variables of interest were general health and functional capacity, assessed by the adapted Katz and Lawton and Brody scales. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and analytical statistical tools. To assess the association between variables the chi-squared test was used, accepting the hypothesis of dependency of variables with p=0.05. Results: The mean age was 72.24±9.33 years. Functional capacity assessment identified that most of the elderly persons carried out activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) independently; with percentages of 90% and 83.7%, respectively. A statistically significant association was observed (p=0.001) between reports of falls and functional capacity levels. Conclusion: The results show that the elderly of this municipality are mostly independent in performing their daily tasks, representing successful aging.


2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 748
Author(s):  
Ana Railka de Souza Oliveira ◽  
Alice Gabrielle de Sousa Costa ◽  
Daniel Bruno Resende Chaves ◽  
Filipe Emmanuel Coelho Alves ◽  
Rafaella Pessoa Moreira ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTObjective: to evaluate the functional capacity of the aged with stroke. Method: this is about a cross-sectional study, from quantitative approach, performed in Fortaleza-CE city, Brazil. It was carried out from 2006 to 2007, through an interview and application of Barthel’s and Lawton’s scales to measure basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The dates were analyzed by Epi Info software, version 3.3. Results: were evaluated 97 patients who had an average age of 64,3 years, 51,5% were women; 25,3% were illiterate; 90,7% lived with family; 52,6% were married and 54,7% presented diseases associated with stroke. The time after the last stroke was 4,1 years (±4,8) and the average of strokes was 1,4 event (±0,7). The men presented more dependence to activities carry through home. However, the women showed more dependence to outdoors activities. Conclusion: the evaluation of clinical and epidemiological conditions is necessary for allowing adjusts in interventions planning and contributes for to improve the treatment. Thereby the investments in training and qualification of nurses become essential. Descriptors: activities of daily living; stroke; aged; geriatric nursing.RESUMOObjetivo: avaliar a capacidade funcional de idosos após acidente vascular encefálico (AVE). Metodologia: estudo transversal, quantitativo, desenvolvido em Fortaleza, no período de 2006 a 2007, por meio de entrevista e aplicação das escalas de Barthel e Lawton que mediram as atividades básicas (ABVD) e instrumentais (AIVD) da vida diária. Os dados foram analisados pelo programa Epi Info versão 3.3. Resultados: foram avaliados 97 indivíduos, com idade média de 64,3 anos, 51,5% mulheres; 25,3% analfabetos; 90,7% moravam com familiares; 52,6% tinham companheiros e 54,7% apresentavam patologias associadas ao AVE. Encontrou-se tempo após último AVE de 4,1 anos (±4,8) e média de 1,4 episódios (±0,7). Os homens mostraram-se mais dependentes quanto às atividades realizadas dentro do âmbito domiciliar. Já as mulheres, tiveram maior dependência para as atividades desenvolvidas fora do domicílio. Conclusão: a avaliação das condições clínicas e epidemiológicas são necessárias para o enfermeiro planejar estratégias, possibilitando ajustes no planejamento das intervenções contribuindo para melhor atendimento desses indivíduos. Destarte, torna-se imprescindível redirecionar a formação acadêmica e a qualificação dos enfermeiros. Descritores: atividades cotidianas; acidente cerebral vascular; idoso; enfermagem geriátrica.RESUMENObjetivo: evaluar la capacidad funcional de ancianos con accidente cerebrovascular. Método: estudio transversal, cuantitativo, desarrollado en la ciudad de Fortaleza, de 2006 a 2007, por medio de entrevista y aplicación de las escalas de Barthel y Lawton para medida de las actividades básicas e instrumentales de vida diaria. Los datos fueron analizados por el programa Epi Info, versión 3.3. Resultados: se evaluaron 97 individuos, con edad media de 64,3 años, el 51,5% eran mujeres y el 25,3% analfabetos; el 90,7% vivían con familiares; el 52,6% tenían compañeros y el 54,7% presentaban enfermedades asociadas al accidente cerebrovascular. El tiempo medio después del último evento fue 4,1 años (±4,8) y media de 1,4 episodios (±0,7). Los hombres se presentaron con más dependencia para las actividades desarrolladas dentro del domicilio, y las mujeres para actividades desarrolladas fuera de casa. Conclusión: la evaluación de condiciones clínicas y epidemiológicas es fundamental para lo planeamiento del enfermero.  Por lo tanto, es esencial reorientar la formación académica y la cualificación del enfermero. Descriptores: actividades cotidianas; accidente cerebrovascular; anciano; enfermería geriatica.


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