Long-term trajectories of lower extremity function in older adults: estimating gender differences while accounting for potential mortality bias.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gender-specific trajectories of lower extremity function (LEF) and the potential for bias in LEF estimation due to differences in survival have been understudied.

Methods

We evaluated longitudinal data from 690 initially nondisabled adults age 70 or older from the Precipitating Events Project. LEF was assessed every 18 months for 12 years using a modified Short Physical Performance Battery (mSPPB). Hierarchical linear models with adjustments for length-of-survival estimated the intraindividual trajectory of LEF and differences in trajectory intercept and slope between men and women.

Results

LEF declined following a nonlinear trajectory. In the full sample, and among participants with high (mSPPB 10-12) and intermediate (mSPPB 7-9) baseline LEF, the rate-of-

SUBMITTER: Botoseneanu A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3674712 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature