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Primary Submission Category: Life-course/developmental
Modifiable risk factors for physical disability: A multidisciplinary view of themes
Authors:Â Derek Hanson, Edwin McCulley, Makayla Smith, Tyanna Henry,
Presenting Author: Derek Hanson*
Question: What are established modifiable risk factors for physical disability across the multidisciplinary primary preventive health literature? Introduction: Health professionals across a spectrum of disciplines aim to practice primary prevention towards decreasing physical disability (PD.) Particularly due to the threat that PD poses towards overall health, lifespan and quality of life within the aging population. With new evidence constantly emerging and the wealth of literature that already exists highlighting potential modifiable risk factors for physical disability (MrF-PD), potential challenges may exist in synthesizing the breadth of knowledge into actionable interventions due to a variety of discipline-specific nuances. Additional inquiry into the complexities of these relationships may enhance the awareness of these challenges and the interdependent nature of many MrF-PD, as well as synthesize how MrF-PD may be integrated in each professional’s role in care. Methods: This work is guided by the JBI scoping review framework, with anticipated results to be presented in accordance with the 2020 guidelines for reporting described in Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR.) Our database search was carried out by two independent reviewers consisting of a three-step strategy of relevant databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Health Source, PEDro, and REHABDATA) utilizing the pre-designated search terms, with the terms and boolean operators refined during the process. Eligibility criteria includes sources that have established a relationship between a person-level measurable characteristic that is modifiable by changes in lifestyle behaviors and any of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) or related terms used to categorize or describe PD. Studies to be excluded include participants who have a diagnosis or disease state that is not related to or is not altered by lifestyle modifications. Although we will report on both objective and subjective measures, we will not restrict the search by screening for any specific or category of outcome measure. Results: To date, we have found over 400 studies that meet the inclusion criteria to move to the final stage for data extraction to categorize, summarize, and bring forth with ~150-200 more under review. Strong themes have already emerged during our screening that align with our purpose, including muscle mass, physical activity levels, psychological profiles, social components, and secondary prevention efforts. Discussion: Based on the emerging themes of our search, we believe that this interdisciplinary work will provide a map and synthesis of evidence for modifiable risk factors for physical disability. Additionally, we believe that presenting and clarifying divergent terms used in classifying and measuring these factors will aid in identifying individuals at risk of PD and demonstrate utility for professionals in creating interventions to mitigate through primary prevention efforts. Finally, we also aim to present a framework for conceptualizing this body of knowledge that intends to introduce and discuss the concept of pre-disability, the idea that there is a period-of-time of subclinical changes associated with physical disability that are detectable, so that researchers and health-practitioners can continue to work towards the improvement of health for people who are at risk for these potentially negative outcomes.