phsyical function

Question 1

aerobic capacity

Answer 1

• Lots of overlap and variation
• 20ml/kg/min is the minimal aerobic capacity to allow level walking- this is known as a functional threshold
• Leads to several other declines including social, general physical and mental

Question 2

why does AC decline with age

Answer 2

reduced lung function
Collapsed alveoli + alveolar dead space
Muscle atrophy
Decreased heart function

Question 3

factors related to loss of AC

Answer 3

• Reduced cardiac output- decline in max heart rate explains 40-100% of reduction in cardiac output
• Decreased lean body mass and increased fat mass
• Reduced maximal arteriovenous o2 difference- less o2 utilisation by skeletal muscle
• Lower oxygen consumption during maximal exercise
• Lower max HR
• Reduced respiratory function in COPD

Question 4

ADLs and AIDLs

Answer 4

activities of daily living
instrumental activities of daily living
most difficult is getting up and down stairs

often things that we have learnt to do as teenagers and young adults + substantial proportions of older individuals have problems completing these
increased prevalence of help needed with daily activities in older individuals
- increases with age

Question 5

assesment of physical function

Answer 5

short physical performance battery (SPPB)
- 4m walk time
- Time to rise from chair 5 times
- Standing balance- feet together, semi tandem, tandem
- Each score from 0-4(best)- total score 0-12
- Related to need for help in ADLs, ability to walk 0.5 mile, ability to climb stairs
Timed up and go test (TUG)
- Time to stand from a chair, walk 3m, turn and sit back down
- Related to falls risk
Advantages- easy to conduct in clinical setting
Disadvantages- limited sensitivity, ceiling effect – is only useful in a particular stage of physical function