About the project
This study is cross-sectional. Data will be collected electronically through FYSIOPRIM using the Infopad system. Participants will be recruited from and tested at outpatient physiotherapy clinics with training facilities (fitness center) and among the FYSIOPROM clinics. The participants will answer questionnaires and undergo physical tests (General mobility, balance, gait speed, strength).
Objectives
This study will have an exploratory approach where the main purpose is to gain knowledge about healthy older persons who are exercising regularly at a fitness center (fit elderly). We will focus on the relationship between mobility and balance abilities, and Health related Quality of Life (HRQL), demographics, self-reported disability and response on physical performance tests.
Secondly, we will compare the findings from this group of fit elderly with relevant participants (patient groups) in the FYSIOPRIM program and also with the reference material collected by Anne Therese Tveter (Tveter et al 2014).
Furthermore, methodological studies of the outcome instruments will be included (such as exploring ceiling and floor effects).
Background
The number of elderly over 65 years in the population is increasing, and the risk of both disease and disability increase with age. Still, the majority of elderly between 65-75 years and two-thirds of 80-year-olds consider themselves to be in good health according to the Living Conditions Study from Statistics Norway. Impaired mobility is one of the most important cause for loss of independence among the elderly.
Financing
- Norwegian Fund for Postgraduate Training in Physiotherapy, through FYSIOPRIM
Cooperation
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health
Start - finish
Data collection started in June 2016. The project will finish in 2020.