Characteristics of the physical function of community-dwelling elderly suspected obstructive ventilatory impairment and restrictive ventilatory impairment

Abstract

【Purpose】This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of obstructive ventilatory impairment and restrictive ventilatory impairment, as well as to verify physical function among three groups (the obstructive and restrictive ventilatory impairment groups and the normal group) in community-dwelling elderly. 【Methods】We assessed the results of respiratory function tests and physical function tests in 128 community-dwelling elderly,and compared measurement items of each ventilatory impairment group. Comparisons between three groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of covariance for the covariate of age, whereas the relationships between measurement items and respiratory function in each group were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis.【Results】Subjects consisted of the normal group of 80 people (68.4%); obstructive ventilatory impairment group, 14 people (12.0%); and restrictive ventilatory impairment group, 23 people (19.6%). Respiratory function showed a significant difference among the three groups, but physical function showed no significant difference. The obstructive ventilatory impairment group showed a significant correlation between respiratory function and physical function【.Conclusions】Different types of ventilation impairment do not cause significant difference in physical function. However, obstructive ventilatory impairment may cause muscle weakness and reduced respiratory function.