Reference Values and Correlations for Multiple Physical Performance Measures: A Cross-Sectional Study among Independently Mobile Older Men in Japan

Purpose: Japan is one of few countries with a male life expectancy over 80 years. The gap between the healthy life span and the total life expectancy is large, highlighting the importance of maintaining physical performance. The present study aims to establish reference values for multiple physical performance measures among high-functioning oldest-old Japanese men and to investigate the correlations among these measurements to understand how these variables are related. Methods: This study was conducted with 120 Japanese males aged 80 years or older who were able to walk independently. Seven measures of physical performance were assessed: handgrip strength, quadriceps strength, static balance ability (one-legged stance), dynamic balance ability (Functional Reach Test; FRT), walking ability (5-m walking time test), combined movement ability (Timed Up & Go test), and bone quality. Cognitive function was also measured (Mini-Mental State Examination; MMSE). Results: Specific reference values are reported for each physical performance measurement explored in this study. Only six participants were classified as cognitively impaired, and 16 had mild cognitive impairment. There were significant correlations of varying levels among all of the measures of physical performance. Age was significantly correlated with all performance measures except FRT, and there was no correlation between age and MMSE. MMSE was weakly correlated with FRT and unrelated to the other performance measures. Conclusions: The reference ranges can be used by older men who have not yet reached 80 years and their health care providers as physical performance targets to facilitate the maintenance of independent mobility in later life.

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Reference values and correlations for multiple physical performance measures: a prospective cross-sectional study among independently mobile older men in Japan

10.21203/rs.2.17063/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Yoshinori Ishii ◽

Hideo Noguchi ◽

Junko Sato ◽

Hana Ishii ◽

Ryo Ishii ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Performance Measures ◽

Reference Values ◽

Later Life ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthy Life ◽

High Functioning ◽

Balance Ability

Abstract Background: As the most rapidly aging country in the world, Japan is one of few countries with a male life expectancy over 80 years. The gap between the healthy life span and the total life expectancy is large, highlighting the importance of maintaining physical performance (e.g., walking speed, grip strength, and standing balance) in later life, which is also negatively associated with mortality among older adults. The present study aimed to establish reference values for multiple physical performance measures among high-functioning oldest-old Japanese men and to investigate the correlations among these measurements to understand how these variables are related in a more detailed and objective way, compared with previous studies. Methods: This single-center prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2018 to August 2019 with 120 male orthopedic patients in Japan who were able to walk independently. Seven measures of physical performance were assessed: handgrip strength, quadriceps strength, static balance ability (one-legged stance), dynamic balance ability (Functional Reach Test; FRT), walking ability (5-m walking time test), combined movement ability (Timed Up & Go test), and bone quality. Cognitive function was also measured (Mini-Mental State Examination; MMSE). Spearman’s rank correlation was used to evaluate correlations between the variables. Results: Specific reference values are reported for each physical performance measurement explored in this study. Only six participants were classified as cognitively impaired, and 16 had mild cognitive impairment. There were significant correlations of varying levels among all of the measures of physical performance. Age was significantly correlated with all performance measures except FRT, and there was no correlation between age and MMSE. MMSE was weakly correlated with FRT and unrelated to the other performance measures. Conclusions: The reference ranges from this study among a high-functioning cohort of men aged 80 years or older can be used by older men who have not yet reached this age and their health care providers as physical performance targets to facilitate the maintenance of independent mobility in later life. There is an urgent need for the establishment of exercise interventions that will allow these men to achieve the desired targets, potentially lengthening their healthy life span.

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P3414Differences in total life expectancy and life expectancy with and without non-communicable diseases within the reference range of thyroid function

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz745.0288 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A Bano ◽

L Chaker ◽

F U S Mattace-Raso ◽

R P Peeters ◽

O H Franco

Keyword(s):

Life Expectancy ◽

Thyroid Function ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Reference Ranges ◽

Men And Women ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Normal Thyroid ◽

Normal Thyroid Function ◽

Total Life Expectancy ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Variations in thyroid function within the reference ranges are associated with an increased risk of diseases and death. However, the impact of thyroid function on life expectancy (LE) and the number of years lived with and without non-communicable diseases (NCD) remains unknown. Purpose We aimed to investigate the association of thyroid function with total LE and LE with and without NCD among euthyroid subjects. Methods Participants of the Rotterdam Study without known thyroid disease and with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels within the reference ranges were eligible. NCD were defined as the presence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, or cancer. We used multistate life tables to calculate the total LE and LE with and without NCD among TSH and FT4 tertiles, in men and women. LE estimates were obtained using prevalence, incidence rates and hazard ratios for three transitions (healthy to NCD, healthy to death and NCD to death). Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors. Results The mean (standard deviation) age of 7644 participants was 64.5 (9.7) years and 52.2% were women. Over a median follow-up of 8 years, we observed 1396 incident NCD events and 1422 deaths. Compared with those in the lowest tertile, men and women in the highest TSH tertile lived 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8; 2.3) and 1.5 (95% CI, 0.8; 2.2) years longer, respectively; of which 1.4 (95% CI, 0.5; 2.3) and 1.3 (95% CI, 0.3; 2.1) years with NCD. Compared with those in the lowest tertile, the difference in LE for men and women in the highest FT4 tertile was −3.7 (95% CI, −5.1 to −2.2) and −3.3 (95% CI, −4.7; −1.9), respectively; of which −1.8 (95% CI, −3.1 to −0.7) and −2.0 (95% CI, −3.4 to −0.7) years without NCD. Life expectancy in TSH and FT4 tertiles Conclusions There are meaningful differences in total LE, LE with and without NCD within the reference ranges of thyroid function. People with low-normal thyroid function live more years with and without NCD than those with high-normal thyroid function. These findings support a reevaluation of the current reference ranges of thyroid function.

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Life-space Mobility in Older Men: The Role of Perceived Physical and Mental Fatigability

The Journals of Gerontology Series A ◽

10.1093/gerona/glab286 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kyle D Moored ◽

Andrea L Rosso ◽

Theresa Gmelin ◽

Yujia (Susanna) Qiao ◽

Michelle C Carlson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Performance Measures ◽

Osteoporotic Fractures ◽

Older Men ◽

Life Space ◽

Assessment Scores ◽

Health Lifestyle ◽

Activity Intensity ◽

Increased Risk ◽

And Performance

Abstract Background Physical performance and fatigue can limit mobility within the larger environment (life-space mobility). It is unknown whether perceived fatigability, self-reported fatigue anchored to activity intensity and duration, is independently associated with life-space. Methods We assessed this cross-sectionally in Visit 4 (2014–2016) of the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS; N = 1 672, Age: Mean = 84.2 ± 4.0 years). The Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS, range: 0–50; higher = greater fatigability) measured physical (Mean = 16.1 ± 9.4) and mental fatigability (Mean = 7.5 ± 7.9). Life Space Assessment scores incorporated level, frequency, and assistance used for life-space mobility (range: 0–120, higher = greater life-space mobility; life-space constriction: inability to leave neighborhood without assistance). Separate multiple linear and logistic regressions for physical and mental fatigability were sequentially adjusted for demographic, health/lifestyle, and performance measures. Results The mean life-space mobility score was 84.6 ± 21.8, and 18% (n = 296) of men had life-space constriction. Higher physical and mental fatigability were both associated with lower life-space mobility in models adjusted for health and lifestyle factors (Physical PFS: B = −2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [−3.39, −1.35]; Mental PFS: B = −1.79, 95% CI: [−2.73, −0.84]). Men with higher fatigability also had increased risk of life-space constriction (Physical PFS: OR = 1.59, 95% CI: [1.32, 1.92]; Mental PFS: OR = 1.25, 95% CI: [1.08, 1.46]). Associations were larger in magnitude for physical versus mental fatigability. Adjusting for physical performance measures more strongly attenuated associations for physical compared to mental fatigability. Conclusions Fatigability is linked with real-world mobility in older men, independent of their physical health. This association may be driven by separate physical and cognitive mechanisms worth examining further in longitudinal studies.

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Association Of Physical Performance Measures With Bone Dimensions And Volumetric Density In Older Men

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise ◽

10.1249/01.mss.0000354264.20400.8b ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 41 ◽

pp. 14

Author(s):

Julie M. Cousins ◽

Moira A. Petit ◽

Brent C. Taylor ◽

Misti Paudel ◽

Julie M. Hughes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Performance Measures ◽

Older Men ◽

Volumetric Density ◽

Bone Dimensions

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Reference Values for Physical Performance Measures in the Aging Working Population

Human Factors The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society ◽

10.1177/0018720813518220 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 56 (1) ◽

pp. 228-242 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Mark Cote ◽

Anne Kenny ◽

Jeffrey Dussetschleger ◽

Dana Farr ◽

Ashok Chaurasia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Performance ◽

Performance Measures ◽

Reference Values ◽

Working Population

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Reference Values and Age and Sex Differences in Physical Performance Measures for Community-Dwelling Older Japanese: A Pooled Analysis of Six Cohort Studies

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0099487 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. e99487 ◽

Cited By ~ 56

Author(s):

Satoshi Seino ◽

Shoji Shinkai ◽

Yoshinori Fujiwara ◽

Shuichi Obuchi ◽

Hideyo Yoshida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sex Differences ◽

Cohort Studies ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Performance Measures ◽

Reference Values ◽

Pooled Analysis ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Age And Sex

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Haematological and Biochemical Reference Values for Healthy Population of Maferinyah Rural Community in Guinea

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/8605485 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Abdoul Habib Béavogui ◽

Almamy Amara Touré ◽

Daouda Camara ◽

Abdoulaye Doumbouya ◽

Malick Minkael Sylla ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Community ◽

Reference Values ◽

Biochemical Parameters ◽

Large Scale ◽

Hematological Parameters ◽

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin ◽

Healthy Population ◽

Reference Ranges ◽

Care Providers ◽

Mean Cell Volume

Guinea’s reference ranges for biological parameters rely on those of Caucasian values. Variability in reference ranges according to the context is well-documented. We conducted this study for the purpose of future malaria clinical trials that assess the efficacy and safety of malaria drugs. A repeated cross-sectional study was carried out, in an apparently healthy cohort population. Surveys took place in Maferinyah rural community, which is located at 75 km from the capital. The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were determined nonparametrically and stood for reference intervals. Reference values were determined separately for males and females according to ranges of age (6-10 years of age; 11-15 years of age; 16-45 years of age). Differences between genders were tested using the Mann-Whitney test, while the Friedman test was performed to test differences within each gender group according to the seasons. A total of 450 volunteers were enrolled. The median age was 13. Males 16-45 years of age had significantly higher hematologic and biochemical values compared to a female of the same age (for hematological parameters: Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration MCHC p≤0.001, Platelets p≤0.001, monocytes p=0.0305, eosinophils p=0.0225; for biochemical parameters: Aspartate aminotransferase AST p≤0.001, Alanine Aminotransferase ALT p≤0.001, creatinine p≤0.001). We noticed significant seasonal variations for all the biochemical parameters and some hematologic parameters (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin MCH, MCHC, Mean Cell volume). This is the first study establishing hematologic and biochemical parameters in Guinea. These findings provide a useful guide for the clinical researchers and care providers. Studies on large scale and in different settings would be also desirable.

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1073: What are Normal Reference Ranges for Testosterone in Older Men? Results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study

The Journal of Urology ◽

10.1016/s0022-5347(18)35229-7 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 173 (4S) ◽

pp. 291-291

Author(s):

Beth A. Mohr ◽

Amy B. O'Donnell ◽

Andre Guay ◽

John B. McKinlay

Keyword(s):

Older Men ◽

Reference Ranges ◽

Normal Reference ◽

Aging Study

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The Perspective of Older Men With Depression on Suicide and Its Prevention in Primary Care

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000511 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (5) ◽

pp. 397-405 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Steven Vannoy ◽

Mijung Park ◽

Meredith R. Maroney ◽

Jürgen Unützer ◽

Ester Carolina Apesoa-Varano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Older Men ◽

Primary Care Providers ◽

Depression Treatment ◽

Care Providers ◽

Low Socioeconomic ◽

Self Image ◽

The Impact

Abstract. Background: Suicide rates in older men are higher than in the general population, yet their utilization of mental health services is lower. Aims: This study aimed to describe: (a) what primary care providers (PCPs) can do to prevent late-life suicide, and (b) older men's attitudes toward discussing suicide with a PCP. Method: Thematic analysis of interviews focused on depression and suicide with 77 depressed, low-socioeconomic status, older men of Mexican origin, or US-born non-Hispanic whites recruited from primary care. Results: Several themes inhibiting suicide emerged: it is a problematic solution, due to religious prohibition, conflicts with self-image, the impact on others; and, lack of means/capacity. Three approaches to preventing suicide emerged: talking with them about depression, talking about the impact of their suicide on others, and encouraging them to be active. The vast majority, 98%, were open to such conversations. An unexpected theme spontaneously arose: "What prevents men from acting on suicidal thoughts?" Conclusion: Suicide is rarely discussed in primary care encounters in the context of depression treatment. Our study suggests that older men are likely to be open to discussing suicide with their PCP. We have identified several pragmatic approaches to assist clinicians in reducing older men's distress and preventing suicide.

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Myofascial Release of the Hamstrings Improves Physical Performance—A Study of Young Adults

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9060674 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 674

Author(s):

Keisuke Itotani ◽

Kanta Kawahata ◽

Wakana Takashima ◽

Wakana Mita ◽

Hitomi Minematsu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Quadriceps Muscle ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Joint Movement ◽

Myofascial Release ◽

Functional Reach Test ◽

Hamstring Flexibility ◽

Walking Speeds

Physical performance is mainly assessed in terms of gait speed, chair rise capacity, and balance skills, and assessments are often carried out on the lower limbs. Such physical performance is largely influenced by the strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles. Flexibility of the hamstrings is important because quadriceps muscle activity influences the hip flexion angle. Therefore, hamstring flexibility is essential to improve physical performance. In this study, Myofascial Release (MFR) was applied to the hamstrings to evaluate its effects. MFR on the hamstrings was performed on 17 young adults. Physical function and physical performance were measured before, immediately after, and 5 days after the MFR intervention: finger floor distance (FFD), range of motion (ROM) of the straight leg raising test (SLR), standing long jump (SLJ), squat jump (SJ), functional reach test (FRT), comfortable walking speeds (C-walking speed), and maximum walking speeds (M-walking speed). The results of the analysis show a significant increase in FFD (−2.6 ± 8.9 vs. 0.4 ± 9.4 vs. 2.4 ± 8.9, p < 0.01), SLJ (185.6 ± 44.5 vs. 185.0 ± 41.8 vs. 196.6 ± 40.1, p < 0.01), and M-walking speed (2.9 ± 0.6 vs. 3.0 ± 0.6 vs. 3.3 ± 0.6, p < 0.01). This study has shown that MFR for hamstrings not only improves flexibility but also increases M-walking speed and physical performance of the SLJ. As MFR is safe and does not involve joint movement, it may be useful for maintaining and improving performance and flexibility during inactivity and for stretching before exercise.

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