Is Malnutrition Most Associated with Dynamic or Static Physical Performance?
Journal Title: European Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology - Year 2020, Vol 2, Issue 2
Abstract
Objective: Malnutrition is a state resulting from lack of uptake or intake of nutrition that leads to altered body composition, decreased fat-free mass and body cell mass. Its prevalence varies according to health conditions and the level of care dependency. The prevalence in individuals over 65 years of age attending outpatient clinics varies in 9% to 15%. Malnutrition can be associated with decreased physical and mental function and impairment of body cell components. Decreased physical capacity causes shortened mobility and difficulties in daily activities such as shopping, cooking, eating, etc. Malnutrition and decline in functional status are two important factors contributing to loss of independence. The aim of this work was to describe the association between nutritional and functional status. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 406 patients aged 60 and older who were referred to the geriatric outpatient clinic at Istanbul University Istanbul Medical Faculty. The nutrition status was determined using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-short form (MNA-SF, cut off ≤11) including six questions specific to diet and anthropometric measurements. The total score can be as high as 14 points. A score of 12 to 14 signifies normal nutritional status and 11 or lower indicates possible malnutrition. Both dynamic and static functional status were evaluated. Measures of dynamic physical performance included the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Gait Speed test, and Chair Stand test (CST). Static performance was determined by balance tests and hand grip strength (HGS). Linear regression analysis was used to study the association between malnutrition with physical performance. Results: The study sample comprised 406 participants with the mean age of 74.8±6.7 years. 69.7% were female and 30.3% were male. Malnutrition was found in 28.8% of the patients (n=117). Malnutrition was found most strongly associated with HGS (p<0.018) and less strong with Balance test p=0.046. There was no significant association between TUG, CST, gait speed and two components of Balance test. Conclusion: Malnutrition is an important problem which could result in diminished physical and mental function in older people. In our study, malnutrition defined by the MNA-SF was associated with physical performance tests, especially HGS, which is an indicator of static physical performance rather than dynamic functionality measures. MNA-SF might be a useful screening tool as a surrogate marker of functional status, especially if a specific functionality testing cannot be applied.
Authors and Affiliations
Şenay Günaydın
Keywords
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- EP ID EP684958
- DOI 10.4274/ejgg.galenos.2020.329
- Views 210
- Downloads 0
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