RHYTHMIC INTERLIMB COORDINATION IMPAIRMENTS AND THE RISK FOR DEVELOPING MOBILITY LIMITATIONS

• Published in: Innovation in aging 2017-07, Vol.1 (suppl_1), p.1243-1243
• Main Authors: James, E., Leveille, S.G., Hausdorff, J.M., Travison, T., Al Snih, S., Markides, K.S., Bean, J.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstracts
• ISSN: 2399-5300; 2399-5300
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.4515

The identification of novel targets that are risk factors for mobility limitations may improve the ability to prevent and treat mobility impairments among older adults. We tested the hypothesis that impaired rhythmic interlimb ankle and shoulder coordination are risk factors for subsequent mobility limitations among older adults. We conducted a 1-year prospective cohort study of community-dwelling older adults (N = 99) aged ≥ 67 years who did not have mobility limitations (Short Physical Performance Battery score > 9) at baseline. Participants performed antiphase coordination of the right and left ankles or shoulders while paced by an auditory metronome. Using multivariable logistic regression, we determined odds ratios for mobility limitations at 1-year follow up as a function of coordination variability and asymmetry. Adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, Mini Mental-State Examination score, and number of chronic conditions, odds ratios were significant for developing mobility limitations associated with a 1 standard deviation difference in the variability of ankle (OR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.16–3.05; P = 0.011) and shoulder (OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.18–3.26; P = 0.009) coordination. Odds ratios were significant for asymmetry of shoulder (OR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.23–3.51; P = 0.006), but not ankle (OR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.60–1.55; P = 0.870) coordination. The results support our hypothesis that impaired interlimb ankle and shoulder coordination are risk factors for the development of mobility limitations. These findings indicate that the treatment of impaired coordination may be a means for preventing mobility limitations among older adults.