A path analysis of the interdependent relationships between life space assessment scores and relevant factors in an elderly Japanese community.
Kensuke Matsuda, Nozomi Hamachi, Tamotsu Yamaguchi and 10 others
PMID 31037003WHAT IT FOUND
In 212 Japanese older adults, age, lower muscle mass, more fear of falling, and slower Timed Up and Go were directly linked to narrower life-space mobility.
Cognition and chair-stand time appeared only through other factors.
Key findings
01Age had a substantial overall effect on life-space mobility, while skeletal muscle mass, fear of falling, and Timed Up and Go had medium effects.
02Cognition and chair-stand time were confirmed as having indirect effects on life-space mobility.
03In the regression model, age, fear of falling, skeletal muscle mass, and Timed Up and Go were significant factors for life-space mobility.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study measured people at one time, so it cannot show that any factor caused lower life-space mobility. The sample was Japanese community residents who could complete the testing, and people with severe cognitive impairment or visual or physical dysfunction were excluded, so results may not apply to more impaired older adults. The model did not include other factors such as loss of social roles, intellectual activities, instrumental activities of daily living, social background, general health, environment, or leisure. The final model was modified from a hypothetical model, so the estimated paths depend on the chosen model.
Declared interests
The authors reported no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the path coefficients as proof that increasing muscle mass, reducing fear of falling, or improving walking speed will widen a patient's life space. The study measured people at one time, so it cannot show that any factor caused the life-space score.