Sensory Impairment, Functional Balance and Physical Activity with All-Cause Mortality.

Sensory Impairment, Functional Balance and Physical Activity with All-Cause Mortality.

J Phys Act Health. 2016 May 11;

Authors: Loprinzi PD, Crush E

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: No study has comprehensively examined the independent and combined effects of sensory impairment, physical activity and balance on mortality risk, which was this study's purpose.
METHODS: Data from the population-based 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used, with follow-up through 2011. Physical activity was assessed via accelerometry. Balance was assessed via the Romberg test. Peripheral neuropathy was assessed objectively using a standard monofilament. Visual impairment was objectively assessed using an autorefractor. Hearing impairment was assessed via self-report. A 5-level index variable (higher score is worse) was calculated based on the participant's degree of sensory impairment, dysfunctional balance and physical inactivity.
RESULTS: Among the 1,658 participants (40-85 yrs), 228 died during the median follow-up period of 92 months. Hearing (HR=1.18; P=0.40), vision (HR=1.17; P=0.58) and peripheral neuropathy (HR=1.06; P=0.71) were not independently associated with all-cause mortality, but physical activity (HR=0.97; P=0.01) and functional balance (HR=0.59; P=0.03) were. Compared to those with an index score of 0, the Hazard Ratios (95% CI) for those with an index score of 1-3, respectively, were 1.20 (0.46-3.13), 2.63 (1.08-6.40) and 2.88 (1.36-6.06).
CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity and functional balance are independent contributors to survival.

PMID: 27172618 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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