What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to explore how different facets of mobility relate to intrinsic capacity and environmental factors in (pre-)frail older adults.

March 25, 2026Open Access

Distinct mobility facets and their association with intrinsic capacity domains in (pre-)frail community-dwelling older adults: an application of the unified framework for measuring mobility

Key Points

The study aims to explore how different facets of mobility relate to intrinsic capacity and environmental factors in (pre-)frail older adults.
Cross-sectional design using baseline data from the PromeTheus trial
Assessment of actual mobility using the Life-Space Assessment
Evaluation of perceived mobility with the Late-Life Function & Disability Instrument
Measurement of locomotor capacity via the Short Physical Performance Battery
Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses to identify associations
Actual mobility showed positive associations with lower extremity function and nutritional status.
Perceived mobility correlated positively with handgrip strength but negatively with concerns about falling.
Locomotor capacity was linked to cognitive function and cohabitation but negatively with concerns about falling.

Abstract

Maintaining mobility is essential for healthy aging. A recently proposed unified framework conceptualizes mobility through three facets: actual mobility, perceived mobility, and locomotor capacity. Identifying determinants of each facet is important for understanding mobility and informing tailored mobility-focused interventions. This is particularly relevant for (pre-)frail older adults, who are especially vulnerable to mobility decline. The aim of this study was to examine associations of the three mobility facets with intrinsic capacity (IC) domains and environmental factors in this population. This cross-sectional study used baseline data from 385 (pre-)frail community-dwelling older participants (81.2 ± 5.9 years, 73.5% women) of the randomized controlled PromeTheus trial. Actual mobility was assessed with the Life-Space Assessment, perceived mobility with the function component of the Late-Life Function prospectively registered on March 11, 2021.

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