Association between decreased neck circumference and impaired activities of daily living among older adults in long-term care.

AIM: Assessment interventions for the decline of activities of daily living (ADLs) in older adults are crucial, as ADL decline increases hospitalization duration and mortality risk. Decreased neck circumference may result in various physical dysfunctions, including malnutrition. However, the association between neck circumference and ADLs has not been fully clarified. This study aimed to determine the association between decreased neck circumference and ADLs in older adults requiring long-term care.

METHODS: The study included 152 older adults deemed to require support or care under Japan's long-term care insurance system. Neck circumference was measured just below the thyroid cartilage with a measuring tape. The Barthel index was used to evaluate ADLs, and skeletal muscle mass and nutritional status were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis instruments. A multivariate analysis was conducted to investigate the association between neck circumference and ADLs.

RESULTS: Neck circumference demonstrated a significant inverse correlation with age and a significant positive correlation with body mass index, skeletal muscle mass index, phase angle, and Barthel index. In the multivariate analysis, ADLs was significantly associated with neck circumference (odds ratio [OR] = 0.51, P = 0.002) and phase angle (OR = 0.04, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Neck circumference is associated with age, skeletal muscle mass, and nutritional status. Furthermore, a decrease in neck circumference is suggested as an independent risk factor for ADL decline in older adults requiring long-term care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; ••: ••-••.