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Reference Values of Physical Performance in Thai Elderly People Who Are Functioning Well and Dwelling in the Community

Thiwabhorn Thaweewannakij, Sirinat Wilaichit, Renu Chuchot, Yaowaraporn Yuenyong, Jiamjit Saengsuwan, Wantana Siritaratiwat, Sugalya Amatachaya
DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20120411 Published 1 October 2013
Thiwabhorn Thaweewannakij
T. Thaweewannakij, PT, PhD, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, and Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
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Sirinat Wilaichit
S. Wilaichit, PT, MPH, Department of Physical Therapy, Damnoen Saduak Hospital, Ratchaburi, Thailand.
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Renu Chuchot
R. Chuchot, PT, MSc, Department of Physical Therapy, Maharaj Nakornsrithammarat Hospital, Nakornsrithammarat, Thailand.
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Yaowaraporn Yuenyong
Y. Yuenyong, PT, MSc, Department of Physical Therapy, Amnatcharoen Hospital, Amnatcharoen, Thailand.
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Jiamjit Saengsuwan
J. Saengsuwan, NU, PhD, Faculty of Public Health and IPQ Research Group, Khon Kaen University.
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Wantana Siritaratiwat
W. Siritaratiwat, PT, PhD, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences; IPQ Research Group; and Back, Neck and Other Joint Pain (BNOJP) Research Group, Khon Kaen University.
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Sugalya Amatachaya
S. Amatachaya, PT, PhD, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, and IPQ Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002 Thailand.
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Abstract

Background Because the number of elderly people is rapidly increasing, reference values for the physical abilities necessary to independently conduct daily activities are crucial for promoting good health. Although a few studies have reported reference values for functional tests relating to these abilities, all of those values were derived from populations in developed countries, which have baseline demographic and anthropometric characteristics different from those of Thai people.

Objective The purpose of this study was to describe reference values for 5 physical performance tests for Thai elderly people who were functioning well and dwelling in the community.

Design A cross-sectional design was used in this study.

Methods A total of 1,030 Thai elderly people who were functioning well were cross-sectionally assessed for their physical abilities with 5 functional tests: 10-Meter Walk Test, Berg Balance Scale, Timed “Up & Go” Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, and Six-Minute Walk Test. The data were reported with descriptive statistics according to decade of age and sex. Differences among the age decades and between the sexes were analyzed with a 1-way analysis of variance and an independent-sample t test, respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine baseline characteristics important in functional abilities.

Results Most of the values found for the performance-based measures were lower than those previously reported, with a significant trend toward age- and sex-related functional decline. Weight and height were important contributors to level of functional ability.

Limitations Only a few elderly individuals older than 90 years of age participated in this study. Therefore, their findings were combined with those of participants aged 80 to 89 years.

Conclusions The findings described here may be useful as reference values for 5 physical performance tests for Thai elderly people. Health practitioners can use this information to identify functional impairments early and to promote independence in Thai and other elderly populations with similar anthropometric characteristics, such as those in the Association of South East Asian Nations.

Footnotes

  • Dr Thaweewannakij, Dr Saengsuwan, Dr Siritaratiwat, and Dr Amatachaya provided concept/idea/research design and data analysis. Dr Thaweewannakij and Dr Amatachaya provided writing and data collection. Dr Thaweewannakij, Ms Wilaichit, Ms Chuchot, and Ms Yuenyong provided study participants. Ms Wilaichit, Ms Chuchot, Ms Yuenyong, and Dr Amatachaya provided facilities/equipment. Dr Amatachaya provided project management, fund procurement, institutional liaisons, clerical support, and consultation (including review of manuscript before submission). The authors thank Mr Ian Thomas for his contribution in preparing the article.

  • The study protocols were approved by the office of the Khon Kaen University Ethics Committee in Human Research.

  • This study was supported by funding from the Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) Research Group, the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, and the Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

  • Received October 4, 2012.
  • Accepted April 16, 2013.
  • © 2013 American Physical Therapy Association
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Vol 93 Issue 10 Table of Contents
Physical Therapy: 93 (10)

Issue highlights

  • Exercise Interventions for Upper Limb Dysfunction Due to Breast Cancer Treatment
  • Quality in Physical Therapist Clinical Education
  • Physical Performance in Thai Elderly People
  • Shared Decision Making in Physical Therapy
  • Kinematic and EMG Assessment of Sit-to-Stand Transfers in Patients With Stroke
  • Physical Therapy Benefit in a Typical Blue Cross Blue Shield Preferred Provider Organization Plan
  • Conceptual Limitations of Balance Measures for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
  • Validity of the Dynamic Gait Index in People With Multiple Sclerosis
  • Individual Responsiveness of 2 Measures
  • Outcome Measures for People With Stroke
  • Efficacy of TENS in the Clinical Setting
  • Self-Reported Aging-Related Fatigue
  • The Next Evolution
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Reference Values of Physical Performance in Thai Elderly People Who Are Functioning Well and Dwelling in the Community
Thiwabhorn Thaweewannakij, Sirinat Wilaichit, Renu Chuchot, Yaowaraporn Yuenyong, Jiamjit Saengsuwan, Wantana Siritaratiwat, Sugalya Amatachaya
Physical Therapy Oct 2013, 93 (10) 1312-1320; DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20120411

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Reference Values of Physical Performance in Thai Elderly People Who Are Functioning Well and Dwelling in the Community
Thiwabhorn Thaweewannakij, Sirinat Wilaichit, Renu Chuchot, Yaowaraporn Yuenyong, Jiamjit Saengsuwan, Wantana Siritaratiwat, Sugalya Amatachaya
Physical Therapy Oct 2013, 93 (10) 1312-1320; DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20120411
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