Hashimoto K; Hirashiki A; Kawamura K; Sugioka J; Mizuno Y; Tanioku S; Sato K; Ueda I; Itoh N;Nomoto K;
Kokubo M; Shimizu A; Kondo I;
Geriatrics & gerontology international [Geriatr Gerontol Int] 2021 Aug 06. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021
Aug 06.
Aim: Decreased use of life spaces, as reflected in decreased Life-Space Assessment (LSA) scores, is associated with poor prognosis in older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting the extent of life-space activities in older adults with cardiovascular disease.
Methods: We carried out a prospective observational study in 98 older adults (minimum age 65 years; mean age 79.5 ± 7.4 years) who were admitted to our hospital due to cardiovascular disease. Once their medical condition was stable, they underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography and physical evaluation, and completed questionnaires.
Results: The LSA score was significantly associated with the ability to drive a car (driving 95.1 ± 21.1 points, not driving 60.4 ± 30.3 points, P < 0.001). In addition, LSA was significantly correlated with age; peak VO 2 ; brain natriuretic peptide; and Short Physical Performance Battery, Geriatric Depression Scale and Mini-Mental State Examination scores. In a multiple regression analysis, Short Physical Performance Battery and driving a car were significantly associated with LSA (β = 0.28, β = 0.37, respectively).
Conclusion: Assessment of motor function and social factors in addition to clinical cardiac function might be important to understand the complete context of life-space activity in older adults with cardiovascular disease.