To investigate the association between the number of medications taken by older adults for managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their impact on lower limb strength, aerobic capacity, and balance.
After obtaining ethical approval, observational analytical study was conducted at SVP hospital, Ahmedabad. Six-minute Walk distance (aerobic capacity), functional reach test (balance) and chair sit-to-stand test (lower extremity strength) were taken as an outcome measure. Total 100 males and females over 65 years, on medications for non-communicable diseases since last 6 or more months and fit for participation according to PAR-Q scale were recruited from tertiary care hospital through convenience sampling. For every participant, two-step method, first, explaining study and obtaining PAR-Q score and secondly after obtaining consent, all outcome measures were taken and documented. Microsoft Excel 2019 and SPSS version 20 were used for spearman correlation analysis.
Mean age of participants (70.23 + 5.22) years, mean number of medications (3.67 + 2.64), mean six-minute walk distance (280.4 + 155.4) meters, mean lower extremity strength (10.23 + 3.05) repetitions, mean functional reach distance (29.00 + 9.80) centimeters. Spearman correlation between number of medications and lower extremity strength (r= -0.115, p= 0.253), six-minute walk distance (r= -0.29, p= 0.77), functional reach test (r= -0.13, p= 0.198), showed weak negative and non-significant correlation.
Functional capacity and lower extremity strength are low in geriatric population. No correlation was found with number of medications. These findings suggest that while medications may effectively manage the pathophysiological aspects of NCDs, they appear to have limited impact on the patho-mechanical changes associated with these conditions.
This implies that pharmacological interventions alone may not be sufficient in mitigating physical decline or improving functional performance, highlighting the need for comprehensive management approaches. Studies with long-term follow up, targeting single drug can also be done. Duration of medications and disease were not analysed. This will contribute to a more comprehensive approach to managing NCDs in older adults and could influence future guidelines on the role of non-pharmacological interventions such as physical therapy in improving patient outcomes.
Medications
Physical fitness
