The tools used to assess physical activity levels in older adults must be updated so people can get optimal care, according to authors of a new report.
Getting enough physical activity is essential to prevent falls, frailty and functional decline. But no single tool has been identified to evaluate older adults’ physical activity levels in clinical settings and target who needs help, the authors wrote.
They detailed their findings in an Oct. 3 report published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
The team evaluated 16 physical activity evaluation tools that are used in clinical settings.
About 85% of the tools focused on subcategories of physical activity but didn’t capture other aspects of staying active.
“For example, older adults residing in cooler climates may participate in winter-based activities, which are not usually included in these tools,” the authors wrote.
The tools need to be updated to reflect changes in activity trends. Also, 78% of the assessment tools contained more than 10 items, which the authors said limits their clinical feasibility.
Among the tools that the team assessed, the most popular is the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS), which has been successfully integrated into several electronic health records and clinical practices. The tool focuses primarily on aerobic activity and less on strength and balance.
Overall, the team recommended the Modified PAVS for Older Adults, which includes items on muscle strengthening and balance activities, so it better aligns with national physical activity guidelines.
“Widespread integration of the Modified PAVS for Older Adults will better support healthcare providers in identifying individuals not meeting national physical activity recommendations, assisting them in prescribing tailored physical activity prescriptions and better connecting their patients to appropriate resources and professionals for further support,” the authors wrote.
There are multiple ways to integrate the Modified PAVS into clinical settings, the researchers noted. These include creating materials for providers and their patients; advancing screening tools; promoting interventions in both healthcare and community settings; identifying metrics for healthcare providers and older adult patients; and establishing relationships with other professional organizations to promote health and wellness in older adult populations.
