RESEARCH REPORT POSTER DISPLAY

DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING AMBULATORY INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC DISEASE. Ashe M^1,2,4, Eng J^1,2,4, Miller W^1,2,4, Soon J^3,4; ¹Rehab Research Lab., GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver BC. ²Rehab Sciences, University of British Columbia. ³Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia. ⁴Physical Activity and Chronic Conditions Research Group, UBC

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the predictors of physical capacity and physical activity participation in older community-dwelling individuals living with different chronic diseases. The secondary objective was to evaluate the risk of inactivity associated with chronic disease and impairments. RELEVANCE: Consistently low rates of physical activity are reported for older adults and there is even lower participation if a chronic disease is present. Assessing common impairments across different chronic diseases can assist in understanding the contribution to participation in physical activity and in the development of function-based interventions. PARTICIPANTS: 200 community dwelling ambulatory participants living with 2 or more chronic disease were assessed. METHODS: It was a descriptive cross-sectional investigation of physical capacity (physiological potential) and physical activity participation (recorded engagement in physical activity). This study was approved by the local hospital and university ethical review boards. ANALYSIS: Multiple regression and odds ratios were used to investigate determinants of capacity (6 Minute Walk Test) and participation (Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities Questionnaire; 3 day pedometer record). RESULTS: Sixty-five percent (65%) were women and the mean age was 74±6 years (range 65-90 years). Mobility (Timed Up and Go) was a consistent determinant across all 3 primary outcomes. For the Six Minute Walk Test, determinants included mobility, BMI, grip strength, number of medications, leg strength, balance and Chronic Disease Management Self Efficacy Scale (r2=0.58; P = 0.000). The determinants for the self-reported participation measure (Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities Questionnaire) was mobility (r2=0.04; P = 0.007). For the mean daily pedometer steps, the determinants included mobility, body mass index (BMI), age and Chronic Disease Management Self-Efficacy Scale (r2=0.27; P = 0.000). There were higher risks for inactivity associated with impairments compared with the presence of a chronic disease. In addition, over one-third of participants had sufficient physical capacity, but did not meet minimal recommendations of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that it is easier to predict an individual’s physical capacity more than their actual physical participation. IMPLICATIONS: Physiotherapists are key providers who can assess individuals and develop programs for those seniors at risk of inactivity. KEYWORDS: physical activity, capacity, participation, chronic disease. FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) Team Development Grant. We also thank CIHR (JJE) and Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MCA, JJE, WCM) for Investigator support.

ETHICS COMMITTEE: University of British Columbia Clinical Ethics Review Board