Physical activity and physical functioning: a clinical audit of 190 elderly patients receiving care at selected healthcare facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Ageing is associated with substantial decline in systemic and physical functioning. This study was carried out to assess physical functioning of elderly patients and to investigate the link between physical activity and physical functioning. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 190 elderly patients receiving care at selected outpatient clinics of two main hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria. The Barthel Index of Activity of Daily Living, the Lawton Instrumental Activity of Daily Living Scale and the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) Activities Questionnaire for Older Adults were used to assess the basic activities of daily living (BADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and physical activity level of the participants respectively. Results: Hypertension (32.6%), musculoskeletal disorders (21.6%) and diabetes (11.1%) were the most reported singular reasons for visiting the clinics. Only 19.5% of them reported moderate activity level while 23.7% and 25.3% reported varying levels of disabilities in BADL and IADL respectively. The most reported disability in BADL (6.3%) was stair climbing and execution of household chores was the main disability (35%) in IADL. Moderate-to vigorous physical activity significantly reduced disability in BADL (OR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.11 -0.60) and IADL (OR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.18-0.79). Conclusions: Substantial amount of disability in BADL and IADL were reported but those who were more physically active were able to reduce their disability risks by more than half. Reduction in physical function disability may be another reason why elderly patients should be educated and encouraged to be physically active.