Self-reported and performance-based mobility related to instrumental activities of daily living in women aged 62 years and older. A population study

This study investigated the association between self-reported and performan ce-based mobility and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in 854 women aged 62 years and older from population-based studies in Goteborg, S weden. Self-reported mobility was assessed by asking the subjects if they e xperienced difficulties when walking outdoors, walking indoors and mounting stairs. Performance-based mobility teas evaluated by a Postural-Locomotion -Manual (PLM) test, which objectively and precisely measured the subjects' mobility of lower and upper limbs and movement co-ordination using an optoe lectronic technique. Independence/dependence in IADL, was evaluated accordi ng to 4 activities, namely cleaning, shopping, transportation and cooking, IADL dependence associated with both self-reported difficulties in mobility and poor performance in the PLM test. A logistic regression analysis showe d that self-reported mobility and the locomotion phase in the PLM test were two independent explanatory factors of IADL dependence. This study indicat es that self-reported mobility and the PLM test can be used to evaluate the mobility components of daily life activities. The combination of these two methods improves the assessment of an individual's mobility, and defines a risk group of functional decline. Given the limitations of a cross-section al design, further longitudinal studies are needed. (Aging Clin. Exp. Res. 12: 295-300, 2000) (C) 2000, Editrice Kurtis.