Long‐Term Predictive Value of Locomotive Function for Multifaceted Health‐Related Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Study of Community‐Dwelling Older Japanese Adults
Jun Ouchida, Hiroaki Nakashima, Sadayuki Ito, Naoki Segi, Ippei Yamauchi, Yukihito Ode, Shinya Ishizuka, Yasuhiko Takegami, Taisuke Seki, Yukiharu Hasegawa, Shiro ImagamaABSTRACT
Introduction
While physical function and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) are recognized as important factors in aging, evidence regarding their long‐term associations remains limited. This study investigated whether baseline physical function measures predict HRQOL after 8 years in community‐dwelling adults.
Methods
We conducted a longitudinal analysis of data from community health checkups in rural Japan. Of 678 baseline participants (2012–2014), 130 adults (mean age 62.1 ± 7.7 years, 52.3% female) with complete follow‐up data were analyzed. Physical function was assessed using the Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), 10‐m gait time, grip strength, and back muscle strength. HRQOL was measured using the SF‐36 questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression analyses examined associations between baseline physical function and 8‐year follow‐up HRQOL, adjusting for baseline HRQOL and covariates.
Results
Cross‐sectional associations at baseline were limited. However, longitudinal analyses revealed robust associations. After adjustment, TUG was significantly associated with follow‐up Physical Functioning ( B = −3.53, p = 0.021), Role‐Physical ( B = −11.40, p < 0.001), Social Functioning ( B = −6.20, p < 0.001), Role‐Emotional ( B = −7.69, p < 0.001), and Mental Health ( B = −6.28, p < 0.001). The 10‐m gait time showed similar associations. Muscle strength measures were primarily associated with Bodily Pain outcomes.
Conclusions
Baseline locomotive measures, particularly TUG and gait speed, independently predict multiple HRQOL domains after 8 years. These simple assessments during routine checkups may identify individuals at risk for long‐term HRQOL decline, supporting early preventive interventions.