Peak expiratory flow is correlated with functional independence measure in older hospitalized patients

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between peak expiratory flow（PEF）and clinical characteristics in older hospitalized patients.

Methods: This multicenter prospective study was conducted in 14 hospitals．Eligible patients had newly admission in long-term care ward, rank B or C of daily life independence level and Mini-Mental State Examination（MMSE）≥ 11. Age, sex, disease, MMSE, PEF, daily life independence level and functional independence measure（FIM）were evaluated on admission.

Results: PEF was significantly correlated with MMSE and FIM. Multivariate analysis revealed that sex and FIM were significantly correlated with the PEF.

Conclusions: PEF could be used as a useful quantitative marker to assess physical performance in older inpatients, warranting further prospective study.