Spirometry z-scores and physical performance in 141 older adults in China
In a cross-sectional study of 141 community-dwelling older adults in China, higher FEV₁ and FVC z-scores were associated with shorter Timed Up and Go times, and higher FVC z-scores with more 2-min step and 30-s chair stand repetitions. These are associations, not causes. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The cross-sectional study included 141 community-dwelling older adults in China aged 60 or older, with a mean age of 68.22 years; 80.9% were female. [1]
After adjustment, each 1-unit higher FVC z-score was associated with 3.605 more 2-min step test repetitions (95% CI: 1.297-5.913). [1]
The FEV₁/FVC z-score was not significantly associated with any core physical performance outcome. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Cross-sectional study (abstract)
- Population / context
- Community-dwelling older adults in China aged 60 or older (141 participants; mean age 68.22 years; 80.9% female).
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- September 23, 2026
Cross-sectional study of 141 older adults in China
The study asked whether standardized spirometry z-scores relate to mobility, endurance-related performance and functional lower-limb strength in community-dwelling older adults in China. It included 141 people aged 60 or older; mean age was 68.22 years and 80.9% were female. Exposures were z-scores for FEV₁ (forced expiratory volume in 1 second), FVC (forced vital capacity) and FEV₁/FVC. Outcomes were the Timed Up and Go test and 4-m gait speed for mobility, the 2-min step test for endurance-related performance, the Short Physical Performance Battery for overall physical function, and the 30-s chair stand and five-times sit-to-stand test for functional lower-limb strength. Analyses used Spearman rank correlation and multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status and number of comorbidities.
Supporting source [1]
FVC z-score linked to TUG, step test and chair stand
After adjustment, each 1-unit increase in the FEV₁ z-score was associated with a 0.162-s shorter Timed Up and Go time (95% CI: -0.297 to -0.028), and each 1-unit increase in the FVC z-score with a 0.167-s shorter time (95% CI: -0.306 to -0.028). Each 1-unit higher FVC z-score was also associated with 3.605 more 2-min step repetitions (95% CI: 1.297-5.913) and 1.143 more 30-s chair stand repetitions (95% CI: 0.568-1.718). The FEV₁/FVC z-score was not significantly associated with any core physical performance outcome. In the lower-limit-of-normal analysis, participants with FVC below that limit had a 0.461-s longer Timed Up and Go time, 7.966 fewer 2-min step repetitions and 2.818 fewer 30-s chair stand repetitions than those at or above the limit. After outcome-specific false discovery rate correction, the FEV₁ and FVC z-score associations with Timed Up and Go time (both q = 0.029) and the FVC z-score association with 2-min step performance (q = 0.006) remained statistically significant.
Supporting source [1]
Abstract-only scope: associations, not causes
The authors describe these as associations and call for confirmation in larger, multicenter longitudinal studies. Because the design is cross-sectional, it cannot show whether lower FVC precedes or follows functional decline. The abstract does not report follow-up, and the full text was not reviewed. The authors suggest that standardized spirometry might complement brief physical-performance tests in community health assessments, and that longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to test whether lower FVC predicts functional decline and whether respiratory muscle training, multicomponent exercise or combined programs can preserve mobility and independence later in life.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. This is a cross-sectional study of 141 participants, so it cannot establish timing or cause. The abstract reports no follow-up period. Findings are associations and should be confirmed in larger, multicenter longitudinal studies.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Qiao C, Wang Y. · europepmc.org · September 23, 2026