Longitudinal analysis of the relationship between physical function and mortality in ambulatory older men

Background. Low physical performance is an important characteristic of frailty and sarcopenia. In this study, we wanted to assess and compare the predictive value of physical function measurements for all-cause mortality in older men. Methods. Data are from a longitudinal study of a population-based sample of 352 ambulatory older men aged 71 to 86 at study baseline. The Rapid disability rating scale-2, 36-Item short form health survey, Hand grip strength, Five times sit-to-stand test, Standing balance, and Timed Up and Go test were determined at baseline. Associations with all-cause mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazard analyses. Age, BMI, smoking status, education, physical activity, and cognitive status were included as confounders. Follow-up exceeded 15 years. Results. The mean age of participants was 76 ± 4.2 years. Average follow-up duration was 184 ± 2 months. Seventy-eight percent (273) of the 352 men died during follow-up, with a median survival time of 110 months. All examined physical function measurements were associated with all-cause mortality. The Timed Up and Go test was the best predictor (adjusted HR per SD increase = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.40-1.79, P < 0.001) for global mortality. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that physical function measurements are important in the evaluation of older persons. We encourage the use of the Timed Up and Go test as a reliable, quick and feasible screening tool in clinical settings