Higher Dynamic Balance Performance Was Associated With Cognitive Function Among U.S. Community-Dwelling Low-Income Older Adults

Renata Komalasari; Elias Mpofu; Hui Chen Rita Chang; Eva Berthy Talluntondok; Deby Kristiani Uligraff; Rongfang Zhan; Ladda Thiamwong

doi:10.1177/23779608241296629

Higher Dynamic Balance Performance Was Associated With Cognitive Function Among U.S. Community-Dwelling Low-Income Older Adults

SAGE Open Nurs. 2024 Nov 13:10:23779608241296629. doi: 10.1177/23779608241296629. eCollection 2024 Jan-Dec.

Authors

Renata Komalasari^{1

2

3}, Elias Mpofu^{4

5

6}, Hui Chen Rita Chang⁷, Eva Berthy Talluntondok⁸, Deby Kristiani Uligraff⁹, Rongfang Zhan⁴, Ladda Thiamwong^{10

11}

Affiliations

¹ Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA.
² Keperawatan (Nursing), Tzu Chi Hospital Indonesia, Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta, Indonesia.
³ Keperawatan (Nursing), Akademi Keperawatan Andalusia Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia.
⁴ College of Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, Denton, USA.
⁵ Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
⁶ School of Human and Community Development, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
⁷ School of Nursing and Midwifery Faculty of Nursing, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia.
⁸ Faculty of Nursing, University of Pelita Harapan Nursing Department, Tangerang, Indonesia.
⁹ School of Health in Social Science, Nursing Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
¹⁰ College of Nursing, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
¹¹ Disability, Aging, and Technology Cluster, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple studies have reported the association between balance performance and cognitive function among older adults. However, few studies have been conducted in low-income settings.

Objectives: This cross-sectional study examined the relationships of dynamic and static balance with cognitive function in community-dwelling low-income older adults in Orlando, Florida.

Methods: Dynamic balance was assessed with a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and static balance with BTracks Balance System. Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) assessed cognition and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 assessed depressive symptoms.

Results: Multiple regression analysis showed dynamic balance was significantly associated with cognition, but static balance was not, controlling for depressive symptoms (N = 89, M _age = 72.70, SD ± 6.95; females = 79). Specifically, higher dynamic balance was associated with better cognitive function. Cognitively healthy participants (RUDAS scores ≥23) scored 2.526 points higher in SPPB than those with possible cognitive impairment (RUDAS scores <23).

Conclusions: Findings provide the evidence to suggest dynamic balance and cognitive function health disparities affecting older adults from low-income community. By implication, dynamic balance and cognitive function should be part of routine screening with older adults living in low-income communities.

Keywords: balance; cognitive function; gait; low-income older adults.