Mobility‐Related Psychological Factors and Self‐Reported Versus Performance‐Based Physical Function in Older Nigerian Adults
- 1Department of Medical Rehabilitation Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State Nigeria
- 2Department of Physiotherapy Bayero University Kano Kano Kano State Nigeria
- 3Department of Pharmacy University of Ilorin Ilorin Kwara State Nigeria
Abstract
Background Nigeria's rapidly growing older population faces increasing mobility challenges. However, these limitations are often examined using either self‐reported outcomes or selected psychological factors in isolation, with limited attention to how mobility‐related psychological factors relate simultaneously to both self‐reported and performance‐based physical function. Aim This study aimed to examine the relationships between selected mobility‐related psychological factors and both self‐reported and performance‐based physical function among community‐dwelling older adults in Nigeria and to explore whether these factors are associated differently across the two functional measures. Methods A cross‐sectional study of 210 community‐dwelling older adults (mean age 67.9 ± 7.4 years) assessed self‐reported and performance‐based physical function using the Barthel Index and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), respectively. Psychological factors were measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale–International (FES–I), the Activities‐specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, and the Attitude Toward Own Aging (ATOA) Scale. Spearman correlations and hierarchical regressions examined associations. Results Participants showed high functional independence (Barthel Index: 98.6 ± 5.1) and moderate physical performance (SPPB: 8.1 ± 2.8). Balance confidence was strongly negatively correlated with fear of falling (FOF) (ρ = −0.60, p < 0.001). Age was the only significant predictor of performance‐based physical function (β = −0.38, p < 0.001). In contrast, self‐reported physical function was predicted by higher balance confidence (β = 0.30, p = 0.002) and lower FOF (β = −0.24, p = 0.013), whereas ATOA was not a significant predictor. Item‐level analysis showed that confidence in complex tasks, such as walking in a crowd or navigating ramps, was strongly associated with perceived functional independence. Conclusion Performance‐based physical function was primarily associated with age, whereas self‐reported physical function was more strongly associated with mobility‐related psychological factors such as balance confidence and FOF. We recommend incorporating psychological assessment alongside physical performance evaluation when assessing functional ability in older adults.
Related
- Comparative effectiveness of exercise and self-management interventions delivered through different modes of digital support on pain and patient-reported physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
- Controlled deep breathing technique intervention effects on resting EEG, subjective psychological distress, and executive function performance in young adults
- Dissociation Between Instrumented Mobility and Self-Reported Function in Adults Aged 70 Years or Older After Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Preliminary Longitudinal Study Using an Inertial Sensor and the WOMAC.
- Effects of physical activity on executive function components and academic performance in children aged 6–12 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Age, current self-reported opioid use, and physical function in adults living with chronic low back pain: A secondary analysis of a case-control study
BibTeX
@article{obiekwe2026mobilityrelated,
title = {{Mobility‐Related Psychological Factors and Self‐Reported Versus Performance‐Based Physical Function in Older Nigerian Adults}},
author = {Johnmark Sochima Obiekwe and Chinwe Chukwudumebi Mokelu and Uzoamaka Nwakego Akobundu and Caleb Olusola Kayode and Marvelous Oyinioluwa Adeniyi and Miracle Ifeoma Okonkwo and Ifeoma Adaigwe Amaechi and Christopher Olusanjo Akosile},
journal = {Lifestyle Medicine},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1002/lim2.70078},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/lim2.70078},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Mobility‐Related Psychological Factors and Self‐Reported Versus Performance‐Based Physical Function in Older Nigerian Adults
AU - Johnmark Sochima Obiekwe
AU - Chinwe Chukwudumebi Mokelu
AU - Uzoamaka Nwakego Akobundu
AU - Caleb Olusola Kayode
AU - Marvelous Oyinioluwa Adeniyi
AU - Miracle Ifeoma Okonkwo
AU - Ifeoma Adaigwe Amaechi
AU - Christopher Olusanjo Akosile
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/26
JO - Lifestyle Medicine
DO - 10.1002/lim2.70078
UR - https://doi.org/10.1002/lim2.70078
AB - Background Nigeria's rapidly growing older population faces increasing mobility challenges. However, these limitations are often examined using either self‐reported outcomes or selected psychological factors in isolation, with limited attention to how mobility‐related psychological factors relate simultaneously to both self‐reported and performance‐based physical function. Aim This study aimed to examine the relationships between selected mobility‐related psychological factors and both self‐reported and performance‐based physical function among community‐dwelling older adults in Nigeria and to explore whether these factors are associated differently across the two functional measures. Methods A cross‐sectional study of 210 community‐dwelling older adults (mean age 67.9 ± 7.4 years) assessed self‐reported and performance‐based physical function using the Barthel Index and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), respectively. Psychological factors were measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale–International (FES–I), the Activities‐specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, and the Attitude Toward Own Aging (ATOA) Scale. Spearman correlations and hierarchical regressions examined associations. Results Participants showed high functional independence (Barthel Index: 98.6 ± 5.1) and moderate physical performance (SPPB: 8.1 ± 2.8). Balance confidence was strongly negatively correlated with fear of falling (FOF) (ρ = −0.60, p < 0.001). Age was the only significant predictor of performance‐based physical function (β = −0.38, p < 0.001). In contrast, self‐reported physical function was predicted by higher balance confidence (β = 0.30, p = 0.002) and lower FOF (β = −0.24, p = 0.013), whereas ATOA was not a significant predictor. Item‐level analysis showed that confidence in complex tasks, such as walking in a crowd or navigating ramps, was strongly associated with perceived functional independence. Conclusion Performance‐based physical function was primarily associated with age, whereas self‐reported physical function was more strongly associated with mobility‐related psychological factors such as balance confidence and FOF. We recommend incorporating psychological assessment alongside physical performance evaluation when assessing functional ability in older adults.
SN - 2688-3740
ER -