Outdoor Mobility and Use of Adaptive or Maladaptive Walking Modifications Among Older People

Author:

Skantz Heidi11ORCID,Rantanen Taina1,Palmberg Lotta1,Rantalainen Timo1,Aartolahti Eeva2,Portegijs Erja1,Viljanen Anne1,Eronen Johanna1,Rantakokko Merja3ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Gerontology Research Center, Finland

2. Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland

3. JAMK University of Applied Sciences, School of Health and Social Studies, Jyväskylä, Finland

Abstract

Abstract Background In old age, decline in functioning may cause changes in walking ability. Our aim was to study whether older people who report adaptive, maladaptive, or no walking modifications differ in outdoor mobility. Methods Community-dwelling people aged 75–90 years (N = 848) were interviewed at baseline, of whom 761 participated in the 2-year follow-up. Walking modifications were assessed by asking the participants whether they had modified their way of walking 2 km due to their health. Based on the responses, three categories were formed: no walking modifications (reference), adaptive (eg, walking more slowly, using an aid), and maladaptive walking modifications (reduced frequency of walking, or having given up walking 2 km). Differences between these categories in life-space mobility, autonomy in participation outdoors, and unmet physical activity need were analyzed using generalized estimation equation models. Results Participants with maladaptive walking modifications (n = 238) reported the most restricted life-space mobility (β = −9.6, SE = 2.5, p < .001) and autonomy in participation outdoors (β = 1.7, SE = 0.6, p = .004) and the highest prevalence of unmet physical activity need (odds ratio = 4.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.1–16.5) at baseline and showed a decline in these variables over time. Those with no walking modifications (n = 285) at baseline exhibited the best values in all outdoor mobility variables and no change over time. Although at baseline those with adaptive walking modifications (n = 325) resembled those with no modifications, their outdoor mobility declined over time. Conclusion Adopting adaptive modifications may postpone decline in outdoor mobility, whereas the use of maladaptive modifications has unfavorable consequences for outdoor mobility.

Funder

European Research Council

Academy of Finland

Ministry of Education and Culture

University of Jyväskylä

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Subject

Geriatrics and Gerontology,Aging

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