Physical Performance and Balance Confidence Among Community-Dwelling Older Adult Men: The Priest Study

Abstract

Physical Performance and Balance Confidence Among Community- Dwelling Older Adult Men: The Priest Study Purpose: Studies examining physical performance among older adult men remain limited. The purpose of this study was to examine gait, balance ability, and balance confidence within two cohorts of Roman Catholic priests (age 60-74 years of age and 75+ years) and to analyze predictive markers of physical performance. Participants: Subjects included 131 community-dwelling Roman Catholic priests over 60 (x = 76.1; SD = 9.0; range: 60-97 years) living in rectories, senior housing, or religious communities in 10 states. Materials/Methods: Subjects completed a basic demographic profile, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Additional assessments included BMI, blood pressure, grip strength, and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Data were analyzed data using descriptive statistics, independent T tests with Bonferroni correction, MANCOVA analysis, and stepwise regression modeling. Results: Demographic profiles revealed that 46 subjects (35%) had fallen over the past year. Eighty-six subjects (65%) were taking four or more medications. Younger priests (60--74 years) demonstrated a significantly higher ABC score than the older cohort (75 and above years) of priests (89.1+ 12.6 vs.78.4 + 13.9). Significant differences (p < 0.001) in physical performance between the younger and older age cohorts were noted on the BBS (53.4 + 4.8 vs. 45.5 + 7.5), TUG (10.4 sec. + 2.3 vs. 13.4 sec. + 4.2), and DGI (22.6 + 2.6 vs. 19.0 + 4.2) respectively. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that age, balance confidence, a fall in the past three months, and diastolic blood pressure predicted 60% of the variance in the BBS, 61% of the variance on the DGI, and 49% of the variance on the TUG (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Data findings suggest that both physiologic and psychosocial factors impact the functional profile of the older adult priest. Common tests of physical performance may be incorporated with modifiable variables to establish target interventions for balance, gait, and functional mobility.