Examination of Factors Related to Life Space: A Cross-Sectional Study of Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the factors related to the narrowing of life space by cross-sectionally examining the relationship among life space, motor function, and the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) score in community-dwelling older adults. The second purpose was to extract the JKOM items related to life space as we considered that subjective knee pain and function could affect the life space even when limitation was not clear in daily life. Method: Life space was evaluated in 36 older adults. Motor functions were measured using a 10-m walk time, timed up and go test, Mini-BESTest, and 30-second chair-stand test. Subjective knee pain and function were assessed using the JKOM. We investigated the correlation among life space, motor function, and JKOM score. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the JKOM items related to life space. Results: The items that showed significant correlation with life space were “total score,” “pain and stiffness,” “participation in social activities,” and “general health conditions” in the JKOM. The item “participation in social activities” in the JKOM was extracted as a knee function that affected life space. Conclusion: This study showed a significant correlation between life space and subjective knee pain and function in community-dwelling older adults. Furthermore, functional impairment around the knee was more relevant to the life space. Therefore, identifying knee problems at an early stage and taking a preventive approach are necessary before such problems occur in response to the narrowing of life space in community-dwelling older adults.