The Relationship between Body Function and Structure Factors and the Activity-Participation of Healthy Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Aim: to investigate the relationship between ICF "body functions and structure factors" and the "activity-participation" of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: 41 healthy older adults (age range 65-92 years) from Tasmania, Australia completed the Bruininks Motor Ability Test (BMAT), Leisure Satisfaction Measure, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Keele Assessment of Participation, and the Activity Card Sort (Australian version). Spearman Rho correlation and linear regression analyses were completed to investigate relationships between the dependent and independent variables. Results: Co-ordination, and Balance and Mobility subscale scores on the BMAT had no association with activity-participation while the BMAT Fine Motor Integration and Manual Dexterity subscale scores were predictive of their activity-participation. Conclusions: The findings indicate that body function and structure factors (related to fine motor skills) were associated with and predictive of older adults" activity-participation. Further research is needed to investigate the link between body structure and function factors and older adults" activity-participation levels.