| Abstract [eng] |
The aim of research work: to determine the associations between the level of physical activity and the symptoms of frailty among older adults. Tasks of work: 1.To assess the physical and functional condition of older adults with frailty and to evaluate the characteristics of frailty according to Fried's criteria. 2.To evaluate the differences in physical activity, independence in daily activities, and functional capacity among elderly participants. 3.To compare the level of physical activity between healthy older individuals and those with frailty. 4.To examine the associations between the level of physical activity and symptoms of frailty. Materials and methods. Research took place at Public Institution Mykolo Marcinkevičiaus Hospital, Vilnius, in 2023 - 2025. The study included 110 subjects (ages ranging from 65 to 95 years), divided into two groups: individuals with frailty (n = 44) and group consisting of individuals without frailty (n = 66). Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), the Fried frailty phenotype questionnaire, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and daily activity questionnaire were used to conduct the study. Data analysis was performed using mathematical statistical analysis, Excel 19 and IBM SPSS programs. Results. The study involved 110 older adults (mean age: 81,7 ± 7,52 years), of whom 40% were diagnosed with frailty. It was observed that frailty occurred more frequently in the oldest participants, and age was significantly associated with the presence of the syndrome. A negative correlation was found between physical activity and fatigue (r = -0,414; p < 0,001), and a positive correlation between physical activity and gait speed (r = 0,472; p < 0,001) as well as handgrip strength (r = 0,498; p < 0,001). Participants with frailty demonstrated lower physical activity levels according to the PASE scale, poorer physical performance based on the SPPB, increased fatigue, slower gait speed, weaker handgrip strength, and lower scores in daily activity assessments (p < 0,001). A strong negative correlation was established between physical activity and frailty (r = -0,695). Conclusions: 1.Participants with frailty syndrome, as defined by the Fried criteria, demonstrated reduced body mass, increased fatigue, decreased handgrip strength, slower gait speed, and low physical activity levels. 2.Older adults with frailty exhibited low physical activity, decreased independence in daily activities, and limited functional capacity. While physical activity was not associated with weight loss, higher levels of activity were significantly related to reduced fatigue, faster gait speed, and stronger handgrip. 3.Individuals with frailty showed significantly lower physical activity levels compared to those in the control group. 4.A strong negative correlation was found between low physical activity levels and the occurrence of frailty symptoms. Higher physical activity levels were associated with a reduced risk of frailty. |
